Man City’s Foden and De Bruyne send Bristol City out of FA Cup

Nigel Pearson made one change to the Bristol City side that defeated Hull City on Saturday for their fifth-round FA Cup clash against Premier League giants Manchester City at Ashton Gate. Nahki Wells came in for the cup-tied Anis Mehmeti.

Pep Guardiola made five changes from the Citizens’ 4-1 thrashing of Bournemouth on Saturday, as Kevin De Bruyne was introduced back into the side.

Stefan Ortega, Kalvin Phillips, Riyad Mahrez and Bernardo Silva also came in for the clash at Ashton Gate, as star striker Erling Haaland drops to the bench.

In a bouncing Ashton Gate, Guadiola’s side almost got off to the perfect start, Mahrez picked out Phillips on the edge of the box, who unleashed a brilliant right-footed effort from 20 yards out. The curling shot crashed back off the bar to Max O’Leary’s relief.

Minutes later, the visitors took the lead. A low cross to the back post from Mahrez found Phil Foden, who drifted in at the back post to slot home high past the Robins goalkeeper.

But, Pearson’s side responded well and were unfortunate not to have received a penalty when Mark Sykes looked to have been bundled over by Manuel Akanji in the box, but Andre Marriner said no.

Tomas Kalas cleared from Mahrez’s acorbatic effort on the goalline in the 20th minute, as Sam Bell gained joy up against Rico Lewis at the other end. The hosts continued to be aggressive for the remainder of the first half, but Man City retained their threat up top.

At half-time, both managers opted to make a change with Pearson bringing on his captain Andi Weimann for George Tanner, which saw Sykes slot in his role. Pep made the unusual decision of bringing off Stefan Ortega for Ederson, and he almost regretted that decision when Bell pressed him, nearly resulting in an error from the Brazil goalkeeper.

Weimann’s introduction aided the hosts search for an equaliser, and the Austrian nearly crafted a goal for Bell but the you striker headed wide.

In the 74th minute, it was 2-0. Alvarez picked out Foden who fired low to O’Leary’s left hand post. His effort took a touch off Zak Vyner on its way in and all but sealed the Robins’ fate.

Despite a brave and determined performance from Pearson’s side, De Bruyne added insult to injury with an excellent curling finish beyond the reach of O’Leary with the clock almost up.

The Robins’ frustration was evident, and Joe Williams clashed with Bernardo Silva late on, several players gathered to split the two up. But the drama ended there, and Man City progress into the last eight.

Bristol City (4-3-3): Max O’Leary, George Tanner (Andi Weimann, 46) Zak Vyner, Tomas Kalas, Cam Pring, Matty James, Joe Williams, Alex Scott, Mark Sykes, Nahki Wells, Sam Bell.

Substitutes: Nikita Haikin, Kane Wilson, Jay Dasilva, Andy King, Andi Weimann, Elijah Morrison, Omar Taylor-Clarke, Marlee Francois, Olly Thomas.

Manchester City (3-2-4-1): Stefan Ortega (Ederson, 46). Nathan Ake, Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji; Kalvin Phillips, Rico Lewis; Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, Riyad Mahrez, Julian Alvarez.

Substitutes: Ederson, Kyle Walker, Ilka Gundogan, Erling Haaland, Jack Grealish, Rodrigo, Sergio Gomez, Maximo Perrone, Cole Palmer.

Goals: Phil Foden 7’, 74’, De Bruyne 81’

Yellow Cards: Phil Foden 65’