Manchester City 1 Arsenal 0
Nathan Ake’s cool finish was enough to give Manchester City victory over Arsenal and send Pep Guardiola’s side into the FA Cup fifth round.
The Gunners have built a lead in the league, however City prevailed in a tight contest. It could prove to be a psychological boost for City, who will look to close the gap in the title race, with the two sides due to meet in the league next month.
Arsenal, who made six changes going into the match, had the better of the first half, with City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, saving well from Takehiro Tomiyasu and new signing Leandro Trossard. Kevin De Bruyne came closest for City in the first half, bending an effort just wide.
The home side began the second half at break-neck speed, however, initially they could not find a breakthrough. Then on 64minutes substitute Julian Alvarez crashed a shot against the post from outside the box. Jack Grealish picked up the rebound, twisted and turned to find space, then played in Ake. The Dutch international calmly rolled the ball into the far corner beyond Matt Turner.
City held on to confirm their progress to the fifth round. Arsenal’s focus will now return to the title race, and later, the Europa League.
Manchester United 3 Reading 1
Casemiro hit a double to help propel Manchester United into the fifth round of the FA Cup with a 3-1 win over Reading at Old Trafford. The former Real Madrid midfielder has been a huge influence since joining United, adding steel and defensive awareness to the midfield. However, it was his attacking play which came into focus as he drove Erik ten Hag’s side to victory.
The Red Devils dominated throughout but came up against a stubborn and organised Reading defence.
However, United came through in the second period with Casemiro scoring twice shortly after the interval. Antony’s superb pass picked out his international team-mate for the first goal on 54 minutes. Then another Brazilian international, Fred, supplied the assist for Casemiro to crash home the second three minutes later.
Reading had former Newcastle United and Liverpool striker Andy Carroll sent off for a second bookable offence on 65 minutes. And a minute later Fred sealed the win with a flicked finish at the front post. The Royals, managed by former Manchester United midfielder Paul Ince, pulled a goal back through Amadou Salif Mbengue on 72 minutes.
United’s season continues to gain momentum, they end the weekend still alive in three cup competitions and in fourth place in the league. Reading must now focus on their league campaign. Ince’s side sit in 16th place in the Championship, five points off a playoff spot.
Brighton and Hove Albion 2 Liverpool 1
Japan winger Kaoru Mitoma scored a stoppage time winner as Brighton knocked holders Liverpool out of the FA Cup at the Amex Stadium.
The game appeared to be heading towards a draw, and a replay at Anfield. However, Mitoma produced a great piece of control at the far post before crashing in from close range to stun Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Liverpool were beaten 3-0 in the Premier League by the Seagulls a fortnight ago. However, they took the lead midway through the first half. A fast counter attack from the visitors saw Harvey Elliott latch onto a fine pass from Mohamed Salah to send the ball into the bottom corner.
However, Brighton equalised when Tariq Lamptey’s shot from distance deflected off Lewis Dunk to wrongfoot Allison Becker and fly into the back of the net.
And just when It looked as through the teams could not be separated in the second half, Mitoma’s winner sent Brighton into the fifth round.
Latest odds FA cup 2023
Manchester City: 13/8 BetVictor/PariMatch
Manchester United: 4/1 BetVictor/PariMatch
Tottenham Hotspur: 6/1 BetVictor/PariMatch/SBK/Betfred/QuinnBet
Brighton and Hove Albion: 43/5 SBK
West Ham United: 20/1 BetVictor/Coral/Ladbrokes/QuinnBet/PariMatch
Leeds United: 24/1 SBK
Leicester City: 27/1 SBK
Fulham: 33/1 bet365/Betfred/SBK/Betway
Southampton: 50/1 Paddy Power/SBK/888sport
Burnley: 66/1 Paddy Power/Betfair/BetVictor/Coral/Ladbrokes/PariMatch
Sheffield United: 100/1 Paddy Power/Betfred/Betfair
Blackburn Rovers: 150/1 bet365/Paddy Power/William Hill/888sport/Betfair/Coral/Betfred/ Betway/Ladbrokes
Stoke City: 150/1 William Hill/Betway/888sport
Luton Town: 150/1 bet365/William Hill/888sport/Betfred/Betway
Sheffield Wednesday: 200/1 bet365/William Hill/888sport/Betfred/livescorebet
Bristol City: 200/1 Paddy Power/Betfair/Betway/BoyleSports
Sunderland: 200/1 bet365/Betfred
Ipswich Town: 250/1bet365/SkyBet/BetVictor/Betfred/PariMatch
Birmingham City: 250/1 BetVictor/PariMatch
Derby County: 500/1 Betfred
Fleetwood Town:1000/1 bet365/SkyBet/Betfred/10Bet/livescorebet
Odds correct as of 30.01.2023 07.30.
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