Phil Foden, in excellent form, netted two impressive goals in another stellar performance, with Julian Alvarez and Oscar Bobb also finding the target.
The day's most enthusiastic applause, however, was reserved for Kevin De Bruyne's return. De Bruyne wasted no time, taking only 17 minutes to secure his first assist of the season after being sidelined for over four months. He assisted compatriot Jeremy Doku, who had also been out for five weeks, in volleying home the fifth goal of the game in the 74th minute.
Here's a summary of the events
Huddersfield Town, despite being in a relegation battle in the Championship, made a bright and confident start against City. When City had possession, the visitors adopted a deep defensive approach, causing frustration for the hosts.
A clumsy tackle by Alex Matos on 16 minutes ended Manuel Akanji's afternoon. City's general passing and movement were not at their best as the clock passed the half-hour mark.
The breakthrough came when a clever combination of short passes, with Alvarez providing the ball to Foden on the corner of the six-yard box, led to a fierce angled shot that left keeper Lee Nicholls with no chance.
Four minutes later, City doubled their lead with another well-executed move. Matheus Nunes found Foden, who passed back to the Portuguese in the box. His low cross was touched on by Lewis and expertly prodded home by Alvarez for his 13th goal of the season.
De Bruyne's return after more than four months was met with a stirring and emotional reception when he came on after 57 minutes. Jeremy Doku's return after a five-week absence was also warmly welcomed.
Within a minute of the double substitution, City secured victory. Nunes found Bobb, and his attempt to find the unmarked De Bruyne took a deflection, wrong-footing Nicholls and finding the net.
City continued to press, with Foden scoring another outstanding goal, skipping past a challenge before firing a low shot into the bottom left corner from 20 yards.
The loudest celebration occurred on the 74th minute as Bobb passed the ball to De Bruyne, whose looped chip into the middle was swept home by Doku. It took KDB just 17 minutes to register an assist.
While there were a couple more half-chances, it was an enjoyable afternoon's work for the FA Cup holders, who now advance to the fourth round.
0 Comments