Kevin De Bruyne made a triumphant return to competitive football after an absence since August, featuring prominently as Manchester City embarked on their quest to defend the FA Cup against Huddersfield Town with a victory of 5-0 at the Etihad Stadium.
Having been sidelined due to a hamstring injury, De Bruyne entered the game during the second half. His return, coupled with two goals from Phil Foden and additional strikes by Julian Alvarez, Jeremy Doku, and a Ben Jackson own goal, propelled Pep Guardiola’s side into the fourth round of the competition.
Having clinched the FA Cup in the previous season as part of an illustrious Treble-winning campaign, Manchester City entered the fixture as clear favorites. Huddersfield, positioned 21st in the Championship, faced daunting odds of causing an upset.
Despite Huddersfield’s resilient defense holding off their opponents for the initial 33 minutes, Manchester City showcased their superior attacking prowess. Foden found the back of the net after a blocked shot from Alvarez, setting the tone for the home side.
Alvarez then contributed to the scoring, displaying skillful play as the hosts orchestrated a sequence of intricate passes that culminated in his precise finish finding the net.
In the early stages of the second half, a well-placed pass intended for De Bruyne took a fortuitous deflection off Jackson, resulting in an own goal. Foden further extended City’s lead with a powerful strike, while Doku, also making a return from injury, secured the fifth goal with a composed finish, leaving Huddersfield goalkeeper Lee Nicholls stranded.
The match stirred memories of City’s 10-1 victory against Huddersfield in 1987, evoking chants from home supporters expressing a desire for a similar scoreline.
To the credit of Huddersfield, positioned in the lower tiers of English football, they exhibited determination and defensive resilience against a Manchester City side known for dismantling opponents.
Having secured an impressive five trophies in the previous season, Manchester City’s relentless pursuit of success was evident in their performance. While progressing to the fourth round of the FA Cup was a crucial step in their title defense, the return of De Bruyne held significance beyond the victory.
Guardiola, recognizing the demands of competing on multiple fronts, acknowledged the importance of having key players fit. De Bruyne’s reception by the home fans, marked by a standing ovation and chants, emphasized his pivotal role. The Belgian playmaker, making a comeback after featuring in just one Premier League appearance before his injury, contributed an assist for Doku’s goal.
De Bruyne’s unscathed 33-minute appearance not only secured City’s progression in the FA Cup but also provided Guardiola with a welcomed boost as they enter the second half of the campaign with aspirations of continued success.
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