Man City breeze into Cup fifth round

Tuesday, 30 January 2018 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Reuters: Manchester City swept aside second-tier Cardiff City 2-0 with first-half goals from Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling on Sunday to reach the FA Cup fifth round in their quest to win an unprecedented four trophies this season.

The only sour note in an otherwise routine victory for the visitors was an ankle injury to winger Leroy Sane, which is expected to keep him out for a few weeks.

Pep Guardiola’s side began without a recognised striker but took just eight minutes to go ahead when midfielder De Bruyne rolled a clever free kick under the wall as the defenders jumped to block the expected direction of his shot.

Bernardo Silva thought he had netted a spectacular second goal for the visitors with a long-range shot but Sane was flagged offside, a controversial decision that led to heated discussions between Guardiola and the fourth official.

City’s dominance was never in doubt though and Silva turned provider for the second goal, perfectly directing a cross for the unmarked Sterling to head the ball into the net after 37 minutes for his 19th goal of the season in all competitions.

City leads the Premier League by 12 points and face Arsenal in the League Cup final and are through to the Champions League last 16.

They lost their unbeaten league record in a 4-3 loss at Liverpool on Jan. 14 after Guardiola scotched suggestions they might be able to go through the domestic season undefeated.