Manchester City vs Fulham. The FA Cup Fourth Round.
Etihad StadiumAttendance53,400.
Match report as Manchester City shake off Fabio Carvalho's early opener to romp to 4-1 victory over Championship leaders Fulham; John Stones and Ilkay Gundogan complete first-half turnaround before Riyad Mahrez's double in second period of FA Cup fourth-round clash
Sunday 6 February 2022 18:18, UK
Riyad Mahrez struck twice as Premier League leaders Manchester City came from behind to sweep Championship pace-setters Fulham aside 4-1 in the FA Cup fourth round.
City were stunned as Fabio Carvalho opened the scoring after just four minutes on a drizzly afternoon at the Etihad Stadium but soon levelled through Ilkay Gundogan.
John Stones then headed the hosts ahead as the frantic start continued and Mahrez put the result beyond doubt with two efforts - the first from the penalty spot - early in the second half.
It made for a sweet return to club action for Mahrez after a difficult month away at the Africa Cup of Nations, where Algeria suffered a surprise early elimination.
Mahrez missed a crucial penalty in a decisive match against Ivory Coast but he had no qualms about stepping up to the spot on this occasion.
City will also be happy with the workout after their recent winter break but they were caught out early on in a lively opening that saw three goals inside the first 13 minutes.
Carvalho was the first to register, the collapse of his proposed deadline-day move to Liverpool clearly having not affected him.
His well-crafted opener was created by a former Liverpool player, Harry Wilson, who got behind the defence and swept a fine ball into the box. The in-rushing Carvalho simply turned the ball past City's second-choice 'keeper Zack Steffen with a fine first touch.
Not surprisingly, City were quick to respond and it took them just two minutes to equalise.
Jack Grealish had a shot blocked but Joao Cancelo picked up possession and found Mahrez, who in turn picked out Gundogan for the Germany midfielder to finish.
City claimed the lead after winning a corner just seven minutes later. Stones went forward and timed a run superbly to meet Kevin De Bruyne's inswinging cross and beat Paulo Gazzaniga with a strong header.
The pace dropped after that frenetic start but Fulham were in no mood to lie down and attacked back with Carvalho remaining busy and Wilson almost picking out Aleksandar Mitrovic with a cross.
City went close again after Fernandinho clipped the ball into the box and Grealish and Gundogan combined but the German shot over. Grealish also released Mahrez after a good break but Fulham got back to clear and then had a chance when Mitrovic missed the target.
City stepped up the tempo after the break and soon killed off the contest.
Grealish began to run at the defence more and was tripped by Joe Bryan after one mazy dribble into the box.
Referee Jarred Gillett pointed to the spot and Mahrez stepped up to fire home, undoubtedly making himself feel better after his recent miss in Cameroon.
Mahrez was not finished there either and he claimed a second just four minutes later after De Bruyne broke from the halfway line and picked him out with a fine low ball. His strike was not the cleanest and took a slight deflection but it still had too much for the exposed Gazzaniga.
City then lost impetus as manager Pep Guardiola made all five available substitutions but the hosts remained in full control.
Substitute Liam Delap thought he had headed a fifth in the last minute but the offside flag was raised.
Man City boss Pep Guardiola:
"I know which team we faced today and which team we beat. When a team is top of the Championship it is because they are really good. Marco (Silva) has created an incredible team. We knew how difficult it would be. I am not over-exaggerating.
"If they carry on playing this way we will face them again in the Premier League, I am sure. But in the second half we adjusted our pressing, which had not been good. It was much better and the quality of our players made the difference."
On Liam Delap: "Liam last season grew up a lot especially with Enzo Maresca (under-23 coach) helping him to develop. He is a type of striker we don't have, a killer, typical British striker.
"The only problem he was injured and after another injury and then another, he struggled a lot with his ankles but he has a special quality."
The ties will be played in the week commencing Monday February 28, 2022.
