London: Manchester City swept aside second-tier Cardiff City 2-0 with first half goals by Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling Sunday to reach the FA Cup fifth round in their quest to win an unprecedented four trophies this season. Chelsea on the other hand saw off Newcastle United 3-0 to advance in the tournament.
The only sour note in an otherwise routine victory for the Pep Guardiola’s side was an ankle injury to winger Leroy Sane, which is expected to keep him out for a few weeks.
Man City began without a recognised striker but took just eight minutes to go ahead when midfielder De Bruyne rolled a clever free-kick under the wall as the defenders jumped to block the expected direction of his shot.
Bernardo Silva thought he had netted a spectacular second goal for the visitors with a long-range shot but Sane was flagged offside, a controversial decision that led to heated discussions between Guardiola and the fourth official.
City’s dominance was never in doubt though and Silva turned provider for the second goal, perfectly directing a cross for the unmarked Sterling to head the ball into the net after 37 minutes for his 19th goal of the season in all competitions.
Earlier at the Stamford Bridge, Michy Batshuayi took advantage of a rare start to score twice to put Chelsea in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
He got on the end of a slick move started by Pedro’s probing pass to put Chelsea ahead on 31 minutes. Batshuayi then needed a huge slice of luck when, set free by Eden Hazard, his shot was deflected over the keeper by the diving Jamaal Lascelles just before the break.
Marcus Alonso added Chelsea’s third just after the interval with a superb 72nd-minute free-kick over the wall.
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