Analysing Alvaro Negredo's Performance vs. Blackburn

Manchester City striker Alvaro Negredo provided a massive boost for the Citizens in the second leg of their FA Cup third-round clash with Blackburn on Wednesday, Jan. 15, scoring a brace to help power them to a 5-0 victory at Etihad Stadium.   

His club praised his performance via Twitter:

As a result, City advance to the fourth round of the FA Cup via a 6-1 advantage on aggregate. 

Negredo opened up the scoring with a sensational header during first-half injury time. The score not only got him going, but it also fired up his manager and teammates the rest of the way.

Two minutes into the second half, Negredo struck again, receiving a quality through ball from first-half substitute Aleksandar Kolarov and smashing a left-footed shot into the back of the net. The goal not only buried Blackburn but also crushed their collective spirit, and they would fail to respond the rest of the way.

Edin Dzeko and Sergio Aguero each added goals for good measure down the stretch, but it was Negredo's timely contributions that ultimately made the difference when the match was still in the balance.

NBC Sports' Arlo White offered his reaction to Negredo's showing:

Despite his clinical finishing, the 28-year-old striker didn't see a ton of touches in the match. However, Negredo was ultra effective with his passes and his two shot attempts, both of which fell on target and resulted in goals. The brace gives Negredo 21 goals in all competitions this season, good enough to lead all City goalscorers.   

Negredo's stellar effort against Blackburn comes on the heels of a sensational three-match stretch that saw him score five goals and record an assist. City won two of those matches with the other being their 1-1 draw at Blackburn on Jan. 4.

Negredo will only have to wait three more days to add to his goal count as City are set to host Cardiff City in the Premier League on Saturday, Jan. 18.  

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