Manchester City advanced to the FA Cup fifth round after winning for the first time in six trips to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium thanks to a late goal by Nathan Ake.
The 2023 treble champions are still in contention for all trophies in 2024, and they have now, in a sense, added a new historic accomplishment to their collection from the previous 12 months: their first goal at the recently constructed stadium.
For City, it was their first goal in six efforts at the Spurs’ new stadium as Nathan Ake’s sloppy FA Cup fourth round winner with 88 minutes remaining kept Tottenham waiting for a replay. This was the first five games in the most spectacular new stadium in English football, five losses, and not a single goal scored. The longest display of defiance against this all-conquering City club, however, ultimately fell apart.
Man City’s Nathan Ake won player of the match
Another strong performance overall from Ake, who was equally aggressive and forceful on defense as he was calm and confident while moving the ball against Spurs’ intense press. His response for the victory was sharp, and he remains one of City’s most reliable players in silence.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea- FA Cup Replay Drama at Stamford Bridge
Key Moments of the Game
First half City was playing too passively in the, which allowed them to establish a rhythm in their game,” he remarked. It’s not your intention to harm them. Stopping that mid-game is really difficult.
Even though James Maddison had only played in 13 Spurs games, Postecoglou brought him in for the 73rd minute, his first since returning from injury on November 12. Maddison was greeted like a hero. Timo Werner has very little success leaving a mark on the left wing. He was surpassed by the remarkably fast Kyle Walker, who is still capable of outracing players at 33, with the game hanging in the balance and a chance to run at City.
Guardiola’s players saw increased pressure in the second half, and there were large gaps for them to occupy beyond the white shirts. Though they unavoidably missed Haaland’s presence, who could have provided a more safe out-ball, they generally appeared at ease under duress.
Also Read- Liverpool manager decides to leave at season’s end.
Around the 65-minute mark, Guardiola made a substitution for Julian Alvarez with Phil Foden as the central striker in order to accommodate Haaland’s ongoing absence. After replacing the Argentine, De Bruyne moved to the right side of the field. On the left, Jeremy Doku took Oscar.
Bobb’s place. There was pressure again since Doku was there to take advantage of the space Pedro Porro was leaving behind. Guglielmo Vicario blocked a shot from Bernardo Silva, and after Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg gave the ball away, De Bruyne missed.
However, in the 88th minute, Vicario, under duress from Ruben Dias, mishandled De Bruyne’s corner, rewarding City’s persistent pressure. Ake poked in from close range, and the goal held up after a protracted VAR review.
After the game Spurs Coach said, “They probably gave it a close inspection, and the referee and VAR found nothing wrong with it. Ange Postecoglou, the manager of Tottenham, stated, “We have to accept it.”