Michael Plant gives his verdict after Manchester City progress to the fifth round of the FA Cup following a 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Friday, with Nathan Ake providing the only goal of the game.
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00:00 Manchester City are into the fifth round of the FA Cup thanks to a 1-0 victory against Tottenham tonight.
00:06 It was far from a vintage display, I think we said that a couple of times recently, and ultimately probably a game that City were helped by a late introduction from Kevin De Bruyne again.
00:14 We've said that recently over the last couple of weeks. But City, far from a classic performance. Both teams hadn't played in two weeks following that winter break.
00:23 You could tell in the first half in particular, not many chances for either side. Oscar Bobb had an early goal that was ruled out for a very, very small margined offside decision.
00:34 But it did seem like the correct call after a very long VAR check. But that was really it in the opening 45 minutes. Bobb saw another shot saved.
00:42 Then went into the second half and you wondered if either side were going to produce a little bit more. Didn't really do it in the end.
00:48 Neither side offering a huge amount in terms of attack and impetus. Both teams made changes. Pep Guardiola bringing on Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku.
00:57 James Madison returned for Spurs, made his first appearance in nearly three months. But it was De Bruyne who definitely had the biggest impact.
01:04 Created a couple of chances late on, should have probably scored actually, with a late shot that uncharacteristically he put wide.
01:12 But it was his corner that he floated in that was ultimately turned in by Nathan Ake. Vicario came for the ball, couldn't get past Ruben Diaz.
01:19 He claimed for a foul. I certainly didn't think it was. Not a particularly strong attempt from the goalkeeper to get the ball.
01:25 And Nathan Ake was just standing there and managed to poke the ball in in the 88th minute to wrap up what was, I suppose, ultimately a good night for City.
01:32 Because they got through, as I say, not at their best. But I think they deserved it. Spurs really didn't produce much at all.
01:36 One shot throughout the whole game. I think Ante Postacoglou will be really disappointed with the effort from his side.
01:43 But as I say, for City, ultimately all that matters is to get through into the next round.
01:47 It also means that their game against Brentford won't have to be moved from the Monday.
01:51 If tonight had gone to a replay, which was a possibility, then that game would have been moved.
01:55 But as I say, ultimately City through to the next round and Pep Guardiola will be happy.
01:59 will be helping.