By Chris Sampson
- Ake sends City through
- Casemiro at the double as Carroll sees red
- Brighton rock Liverpool with late Mitoma strike
UK -The FA Cup fourth round produced an exciting weekend of football.
 |
|---|
Manchester City 1 Arsenal 0
Nathan Ake’s cool finish was enough to give Manchester City victory over Arsenal and send Pep Guardiola’s side into the FA Cup fifth round.
Mikel Arteta’s side have built a lead in the league, however City prevailed in a tight contest. It could prove to be a psychological boost for City, who will look to close the gap in the title race, with the two sides due to meet in the league next month.
Arsenal, who made six changes going into the match, had the better of the first half, with City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, saving well from Takehiro Tomiyasu and new signing Leandro Trossard. Kevin De Bruyne came closest for City in the first half, bending an effort just wide.
The home side began the second half at break-neck speed, however, initially they could not find a breakthrough. Then on 64 minutes substitute Julian Alvarez crashed a shot against the post from outside the box. Jack Grealish picked up the rebound, twisted and turned to find space, then played in Ake. The Dutch international calmly rolled the ball into the far corner beyond Matt Turner.
City held on to confirm their progress to the fifth round. Arsenal’s focus will now return to the title race, and later, the Europa League.
Manchester United 3 Reading 1
Casemiro hit a double to help propel Manchester United into the fifth round of the FA Cup with a 3-1 win over Reading at Old Trafford. The former Real Madrid midfielder has been a huge influence since joining United, adding steel and defensive awareness to the midfield. However, it was his attacking play which came into focus as he drove Erik ten Hag’s side to victory.
The Red Devils dominated throughout but came up against a stubborn and organised Reading defence.
However, United came through in the second period with Casemiro scoring twice shortly after the interval. Antony’s superb pass picked out his international team-mate for the first goal on 54 minutes. Then another Brazilian international, Fred, supplied the assist for Casemiro to crash home the second three minutes later.
Reading had former Newcastle United and Liverpool striker Andy Carroll sent off for a second bookable offence on 65 minutes. And a minute later Fred sealed the win with a flicked finish at the front post. The Royals, managed by former Manchester United midfielder Paul Ince, pulled a goal back through Amadou Salif Mbengue on 72 minutes.
United’s season continues to gain momentum, they end the weekend still alive in three cup competitions and in fourth place in the league. Reading must now focus on their league campaign. Ince’s side sit in 16th place in the Championship, five points off a playoff spot.
Brighton and Hove Albion 2 Liverpool 1
Japan winger Kaoru Mitoma scored a stoppage time winner as Brighton knocked holders Liverpool out of the FA Cup at the Amex Stadium.
The game appeared to be heading towards a draw, and a replay at Anfield. However, Mitoma produced a great piece of control at the far post before crashing in from close range to stun Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Liverpool were beaten 3-0 in the Premier League by the Seagulls a fortnight ago. However, they took the lead midway through the first half. A fast counter attack from the visitors saw Harvey Elliott latch onto a fine pass from Mohamed Salah to send the ball into the bottom corner.
However, Brighton equalised when Tariq Lamptey’s shot from distance deflected off Lewis Dunk to wrongfoot Allison Becker and fly into the back of the net.
And just when It looked as through the teams could not be separated in the second half, Mitoma’s winner sent Brighton into the fifth round.
Wrexham 3 Sheffield United 3
Wrexham co-owner and Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds was at the Racecourse to see his side mark their first appearance in the FA Cup fourth round for 26 years in style. The Welsh side put in a fantastic display against Championship side Sheffield United.
It took a stoppage time goal from John Egan to rescue the promotion chasing Blades against the non-league side.
Tommy Doyle’s corner was headed in by Oli McBurnie to give United an early lead. However the Yorkshire side were stunned by goals from James Jones and Tom O’Connor which turned the tie on its head.
Oliver Norwood equalised for United, who had Daniel Jebbison sent off. A late goal from Paul Mullin looked to have given the Welsh side a shock victory, however skipper Egan made a captain’s contribution to grab a late leveller.
Tottenham stroll through, Fulham held by Sunderland
Tottenham Hotspur enjoyed a convincing win away at Preston, while Fulham were held to a draw at home to Sunderland. Blackburn’s tie against Birmingham City also finished level, while Stoke saw off Stevenage and West Ham United won away at Derby County.
The FA cup fourth round replay between Birmingham City and Blackburn Rovers will take place on Tuesday January 31. The other replays will take place on Tuesday February 7. The FA Cup fifth round is scheduled to commence on Monday February 27.
| Follow Britwatch - Sport in General, Brits in Particular! | |
|---|---|
| Soundcloud | |
| YouTube | |
| We may receive compensation for products purchased via affiliate links on this website | |