Playmaker Kevin De Bruyne made a welcome comeback after missing four months due to a hamstring injury as leaders Manchester City defeated Huddersfield Town 5-0 on Sunday, with Phil Foden scoring twice. This victory sent the team into the FA Cup’s fourth round.
Despite fielding a quality team, City suffered a blow when defender Manuel Akanji was injured early in the first half. However, coach Pep Guardiola had many reasons to celebrate after Foden’s incredible finishing and De Bruyne’s return.
In the thirty-third minute, Foden sent a shot into the net from a close angle, putting Huddersfield—who are now in the English second-tier Championship—behind. Four minutes later, attacker Julian Alvarez pushed in a second goal.
After De Bruyne joined the game in the 57th minute, Oscar Bobb, a Norwegian winger, attempted to find the Belgian at the far post but his deflected cross ended up in the goal, giving City a 3-0 lead.
In the 65th minute, Foden scored his second goal with a well-placed effort from beyond the area. Nine minutes later, De Bruyne set up fellow substitute Jeremy Doku to finish the score.
Other than that, Bolton Wanderers held City’s Premier League opponents Luton Town to a scoreless draw, while West Ham United and Nottingham Forest will also need replays after their respective draws with Bristol City and Blackpool.