Manchester City, the defending champion, qualified on Tuesday for the quarter-finals of the FA Cup at the expense of Luton (6-2), overwhelmed by five goals from Erling Haaland and four assists from Kevin De Bruyne.
It was much more difficult for Newcastle, who needed a penalty shootout, with two saves from their goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, to win at Blackburn (1-1, 4-3 on penalties), a team from the Championship (D2).
Bournemouth, another Premier League team, was knocked out by Leicester, the leaders of the second division (1-0 after extra time).
Manchester City had a much easier 5th round at Luton thanks to Haaland. The Norwegian striker feasted with a five-goal haul (3rd, 18th, 40th, 55th, 58th), almost a year after the one he inflicted on Leipzig (7-0) in March 2023 in the Champions League round of 16 second leg.
His best partner, Kevin De Bruyne, provided four assists before another one from Bernardo Silva for the tall blond player. Mateo Kovacic scored the final goal for City (72nd).
“I’m back to my best level. I finally feel good. It’s an incredible feeling. (…) We are ready to attack,” commented Haaland on ITV.
Trailing 3-0 just before halftime, Luton came back to 3-2 through Jordan Clark: the midfielder sent a long-range missile into the top corner (45th, 3-1) and then scored a beautiful volley after a nice chest control (52nd, 3-2).
The only setback for Manchester City was Jack Grealish leaving the field injured in the first half, covering his face to mask his distress.
The left winger, replaced by Jérémy Doku, was making his return as a starter in Pep Guardiola’s team after physical setbacks and a drop in form that his coach had publicly acknowledged.
The staff fears a relapse after a groin injury that has troubled him in recent weeks.
Results of the 5th round of the FA Cup:
Monday:
(+) Coventry (D2) – Maidstone United (D6) 5-0
Tuesday:
Luton (D1) – (+) Manchester City (D1) 2-6
Bournemouth (D1) – (+) Leicester City (D2) 0-1 a.e.t
Blackburn Rovers (D2) – (+) Newcastle (D1) 1-1, 4-3 pens
NB: clubs preceded by a (+) are qualified for the quarter-finals.
#Coupe #dAngleterre #Manchester #City #qualifié #avec #cinq #buts #Haaland #TV5MONDE
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