Kevin De Bruyne’s return from a five-month injury inspires Manchester City to thrash Huddersfield 5-0 in the FA Cup.

Kevin De Bruyne’s return from a five-month injury inspires Manchester City to thrash Huddersfield 5-0 in the FA Cup.

Kevin De Bruyne marked his return from a five-month injury spell as Manchester City thrash Huddersfield 5-0 in the FA Cup.

 

 

The Belgian playmaker who underwent hamstring surgery, made a 35-minute appearance and played a role in two goals.

 

Despite a slow start, Phil Foden was brilliant in the central role usually occupied by De Bruyne, scoring twice to lead City’s dominant performance.

 

Huddersfield who are struggling in the Championship relegation zone, faced a daunting task to protect their post from the start.

 

 

Manchester City thump Huddersfield 5-0 in FA Cup – Getty image

City’s boss Pep Guardiola made several changes to his lineup, resting key players like Ederson, Kyle Walker, and Rodri, yet securing a commanding victory.

 

The introduction of De Bruyne in the second half affected City’s play almost immediately.

 

Although he didn’t get on the scoresheet himself, but his presence sparked City’s attack the more, leading to further goals from Mateo Kovacic and substitute Jeremy Doku, who also made his comeback from injury.

 

City double lead; Bamford stunner; Forest level

 

If Friday and Saturday were the entree, Sunday is the main course, with FA Cup holders Manchester City in action and a mouth-watering clash between Arsenal and Liverpool later.

 

 

You can follow all the action right here.

 

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Manchester City v Huddersfield

Scorers: Foden 32′, Alvarez 37′

 

Holders Manchester City were looking to get their FA Cup defence off to the best possible start against Championship strugglers Huddersfield.

 

Pep Guardiola’s side were in complete control early on with Jack Grealish looking dangerous down the left-hand side but there was a big blow for the hosts as Manuel Akanji came off injured on 15 minutes.

 

Eventually City’s class showed as Phil Foden buried an effort from a tight angle after good work by Julian Alvarez.

 

West Ham v Bristol City

Scorers: Bowen 4′

 

In form West Ham hosted Liam Manning’s improving Bristol City with a place in the fourth round on the line.

 

It took the Hammers just four minutes to take the lead as Jarrod Bowen raced in, rounded the goalkeeper, and finished well.

 

Peterborough v Leeds

Scorers: Ampadu 37, Bamford 47′

 

Peterborough were the form side in League One coming into this clash with Leeds claiming just two wins from their last five games.

 

 

Patrick Bamford was at the heart of everything Leeds were doing well early on but saw two good efforts saved before the 10 minute mark.

 

The Championship side eventually did get their opener just before half time as Bamford played in Ethan Ampadu who finished with aplomb.

 

 

Into the second half and immediately Bamford netted the second of the game with a stunning volleyed effort from 25 yards.

 

Nottingham Forest v Blackpool

 

Scorers: Dominguez 39′ Gibbs-White 56′; Gabriel 25′, Morgan 27′

 

Nuno Espirito Santo was aiming to maintain his impressive start to life as Nottingham Forest boss as League One Blackpool came to the City Ground.

 

But a potential upset was on the cards after 25 minutes as Jordan Gabriel headed home after good work by Karamoko Dembele.

 

Blackpool then doubled their advantage just a few moments later as Albie Morgan found space inside the area and smashed home an effort.

 

Forest halved their deficit just before the break however as Nico Dominguez netted with his second goal in as many games.

 

Into the second half and Forest got themselves level on 56 minutes as Morgan Gibbs-White finished well from the edge of the area.

 

Other games

Shrewsbury v Wrexham

Luton v Bolton

West Brom v Aldershot

Game to come

Arsenal v Liverpool

Monday sees the fourth round draw followed by Wigan’s clash with Manchester United.