Manchester City's Nathan Ake ends Tottenham Hotspur Stadium hoodoo with late winner
FA CUP

Manchester City’s Nathan Ake ends Tottenham Hotspur Stadium hoodoo with late winner

Nathan Ake scored a late winner as Manchester City ended their Tottenham Hotspur Stadium hoodoo with a 1-0 victory in the FA Cup fourth round.

Pep Guardiola’s side had failed to score in their previous five visits to Spurs’ home, but Ake bundled home from close range after goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario flapped at Kevin De Bruyne’s corner in the 88th minute.

City secured their seventh consecutive win, keeping them on course for a fourth FA Cup title in five years.

Tottenham’s trophy drought set to extend

Ange Postecoglou’s team could have little complaints about the defeat, which means their trophy drought will almost certainly extend into a 17th year.

Son Heung-min and Erling Haaland, both sides’ respective top goalscorers, were absent due to injury, with playmakers James Maddison and De Bruyne starting on the bench.

City’s poor record at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was well documented, and Guardiola’s side almost broke their duck in the fifth minute when Oscar Bobb tapped home on the goal line.

However, Bobb was adjudged to be marginally offside by VAR, and City continued to seek a maiden goal at this venue.

De Bruyne and Maddison introduced in the second half

Guardiola turned to his ace in the pack with 65 minutes on the clock when De Bruyne was introduced, and Postecoglou followed suit eight minutes later with Maddison receiving a hero’s reception on his return from injury.

But it was Ake who had the final say, and his late winner sent the holders through to the last 16.

Chelsea held to draw by Aston Villa

In other FA Cup news, Chelsea were held to a lively goalless draw by Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge.

Mauricio Pochettino’s team had scored six in their previous outing, but they found Unai Emery’s Premier League high-flyers a more obdurate hurdle.

John McGinn spurned Villa’s best chances in either half, while Emiliano Martinez twice denied Chelsea as Noni Madueke and Cole Palmer found themselves frustrated.

The replay will take place at Villa Park.

Other results

Bristol City drew 0-0 at home to Nottingham Forest.
Sheffield Wednesday drew 1-1 with Coventry City.

bein spoots

beinspoots