Match Report: Manchester City 1-0 Arsenal (Emirates FA Cup)

Manchester City knocked Premier League leaders Arsenal out of the FA Cup on Friday evening with a narrow victory at the Etihad Stadium.

The visitors had the bulk of the chances in the first half but despite this, neither of the two sides could find a way through and went into the break goalless.

A goal was eventually found in the second half but through an unlikely source as Nathan Ake’s precise shot was enough to slide the hosts in front and eventually give them the win.

A born finisher. 😮‍💨🥶 @NathanAke pic.twitter.com/tTvzxHczAr

— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) January 27, 2023

The result sees City maintain their perfect FA Cup run this campaign, having already bested Chelsea in the previous round at the Etihad Stadium.

A clash with the Gunners started equally, with Erling Haaland running through on goal at one end and Takehiro Tomiyasu going close with a powerful shot at the other.

Stefan Ortega made a string of fine saves throughout the first half, notably once from full debutant Leandro Trossard following his recent arrival from Brighton & Hove Albion.

Haaland later went down with suspected concussion but soon carried on after a thorough assessment from Manchester City’s medical team.

Arsenal were knocking on the door and went close again with a near-post shot from Eddie Nketiah that went wide of Ortega’s goal.

John Stones suffered a hamstring injury just before half-time, seeing his number up in the place of Aymeric Laporte.

The second half produced a slow start, with City going close but being kept at bay by Arsenal goalkeeper Matt Turner.

Pep Guardiola brought on Riyad Mahrez and Rico Lewis for Julian Alvarez and Kyle Walker respectively to influence proceedings and crucially, to avoid a replay in what is set to be a jam-packed February for the Premier League champions.

Alvarez, who scored City’s first of four in their recent 4-2 win against Tottenham, had a quick impact off the bench, hitting the post on his first real sight of goal.

City’s sustained pressure finally paid off as Guardiola’s men took the lead through Nathan Ake, whose beautifully curling effort went past Turner to hand the hosts a crucial lead.

A true number nine’s finish from the Dutchman took his goal tally for the season to two, following his header against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup last month.

Kevin De Bruyne gave way for Bernardo Silva late on, with the Portugal international brought on to provide more energy in the middle of the park as City looked to retain a slender advantage.

Alvarez shot from distance though a well-struck shot was aimed right at the keeper.

City managed to see the game off well against the Premier League leaders, seeing themselves into the FA Cup fifth-round.

Guardiola’s men will learn who they face in the fifth round on Monday, with the draw scheduled for 7pm.

A testing month of February will begin with a trip to north London as Manchester City face off against Antonio Conte and Tottenham in their next Premier League game.