Football writer Ninad Barbadikar analyzes the action from the fourth round of the FA Cup involving Premier League teams on Saturday.
Leyton Orient 1-2 Manchester City
A late goal by Kevin De Bruyne off the bench rescued Manchester City’s victory over a determined Leyton Orient and secured their progress to the fifth round of the FA Cup.
The highlight of the match was Tottenham Hotspur loanee Jamie Donley’s long-range effort from 40 yards out for the League One side, which hit the bar and went in off City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega. This wasn’t the first time Donley had scored a goal of this caliber, having done so previously for Spurs’ PL2 and U18 teams.
City equalized in the second half through a deflected shot from Rico Lewis, and De Bruyne’s late strike proved to be the difference. The Belgian midfielder has now been involved in 26 goals in the FA Cup since his debut in 2016, more than any other player.
“It was a typical FA Cup tie, and that’s why this competition is unbelievable,” said Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, who will be glad to have avoided extra time or more as his team prepares for a Champions League clash with Real Madrid and a Premier League match against Newcastle United.
Other Premier League Teams in Action
Coventry City 1-4 Ipswich Town
Jack Clarke’s brace highlighted a comfortable victory for Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich Town over Coventry City. The match was delayed due to congestion, but the action quickly got underway with George Hirst scoring for Ipswich in the opening minutes.
Clarke continued his impressive form, scoring a quickfire brace to put Ipswich in a comfortable lead at half-time. Jadon Philogene sealed the win with his first goal since joining the club in January.
This result was a morale-boosting one for Ipswich, who face tough tests ahead, starting with a trip to Aston Villa next week.
Everton 0-2 AFC Bournemouth
Bournemouth’s high-flying form continued with a victory over Everton at Goodison Park. Youngsters Ben Winterburn and Daniel Jebbison started for the Cherries, who continue to navigate their injury-ravaged period with strong performances.
Antoine Semenyo opened the scoring from the penalty spot, and Jebbison added a second goal. Everton’s January signing Carlos Alcaraz came close to scoring on his debut, but Bournemouth goalkeeper Kepa denied him.
The defeat was not what Everton manager David Moyes wanted in Goodison Park’s last-ever FA Cup tie, ahead of their Merseyside derby against Liverpool.
Southampton 0-1 Burnley
Burnley’s miserly defense proved too much for Ivan Juric’s Southampton, as the Clarets secured a 1-0 win to knock the Saints out of the FA Cup. Loan signing Marcus Edwards scored the winner off the bench for Burnley, who have one of the best defenses in the Championship.
Southampton will now turn their focus back to their league campaign, as they prepare to face a tough run of matches, including fixtures against Bournemouth, Chelsea, and Liverpool.
Wigan Athletic 1-2 Fulham
A brace from Rodrigo Muniz was enough for Marco Silva’s Fulham to see off Wigan Athletic. The Brazilian forward, who has found starts hard to come by of late, made it back-to-back matches with goals, after netting the winner against Newcastle in the league.
Fulham dominated possession, but had to hold on in the end as Wigan staged a fightback. The London club will be boosted by this result as they prepare to take on high-flying Nottingham Forest.
Birmingham City 2-3 Newcastle United
Eddie Howe’s Newcastle survived a scare to emerge 3-2 winners against Birmingham City in a classic FA Cup tie at St Andrew’s. After booking their place in the EFL Cup final, Newcastle’s cup joy continued, despite facing more resistance than in their midweek victory over Arsenal.
Former Manchester United defender Ethan Laird opened the scoring for Birmingham, but Joe Willock, Callum Wilson, and Willock again were on target for the Magpies. Tomoki Iwata scored a brilliant goal for Birmingham, but Willock’s second-half strike proved to be the winner.
The concern for Howe will be the injury to defender Dan Burn, who limped off in the second half, as Newcastle prepare to face Manchester City in the league next weekend.
Brighton vs. Chelsea
Analysis to follow
Other Premier League Clubs in Action
- Sunday 9 February: Blackburn Rovers vs. Wolves, Plymouth vs. Liverpool, Aston Villa vs. Tottenham
- Monday 10 February: Doncaster Rovers vs. Crystal Palace
- Tuesday 11 February: Exeter City vs. Nottingham Forest
When is the Fifth-Round Draw?
The fifth-round draw will take place on Monday, 10 February, from 19:10 GMT. The fifth-round ties are scheduled to be held on the weekend of 1-2 March, after Matchweek 27 and before Matchweek 28 in the Premier League.
Don’t miss the exciting action as the FA Cup competition continues! Stay tuned for more updates and analysis.
