Manchester Metropolis entered the FA Cup fifth spherical in dramatic trend as Nathan Aké's controversial late purpose secured a 1-0 win in opposition to Tottenham on Friday.
Because the soccer world digested the gorgeous information that Jurgen Klopp will step down as Liverpool boss on the finish of the season, the membership that might doubtlessly profit most from his departure lastly ended the await a primary win on the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Metropolis had misplaced all 5 earlier visits to Tottenham's plush area with out scoring a purpose because the stadium opened in April 2019.
However Dutch defender Aké ensured Metropolis would lastly depart North London on a excessive when he crossed residence with simply two minutes to go within the fourth spherical.
Pep Guardiola's facet have received their final seven video games in all competitions, sustaining their renaissance after a shaky interval earlier than Christmas.
They’re 5 factors behind Premier League leaders Liverpool however have a sport in hand and can hope to capitalize on the uncertainty created by Klopp's announcement.
Klopp and Guardiola have waged an intense rivalry throughout their time in England, with the Metropolis boss largely popping out on prime.
Metropolis received all three main trophies final season and stay firmly within the hunt to retain the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.
With star striker Erling Haaland nonetheless sidelined by way of damage, Guardiola's males have been initially free in north London.
Oscar Bobb beat Phil Foden late within the first half however his shot flashed vast.
Julian Alvarez seemed sure to attain when he latched onto Bobb's excellent go close to Tottenham, however Micky van de Ven threw his physique in the way in which to maintain the shot vast.
Brennan Johnson nearly punished Metropolis's lack of acumen when he accelerated onto Timo Werner's go for a shot that drew a very good save from Stefan Ortega.
Guardiola despatched on Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku for the ultimate 25 minutes because the Belgian duo stepped up their return from damage.
– Metropolis stays up late –
De Bruyne made his third substitute since recovering from a hamstring damage suffered within the first match of the season.
Tottenham midfielder James Maddison got here off the bench within the closing phases for his first look since struggling an ankle damage in November.
Bernardo Silva's shot was deflected by Guglielmo Vicario earlier than De Bruyne dragged his effort vast after Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg cleared the ball.
However Metropolis's strain was lastly rewarded within the 88th minute when Vicario, beneath strain from Ruben Dias, transformed De Bruyne's nook.
Ake poked residence from shut vary and the purpose survived a prolonged VAR examine.
Within the different fourth spherical match on Friday, Chelsea have been held to a 0-0 draw by Aston Villa as either side squandered probabilities at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea had scored six of their earlier outing, serving to Middlesbrough attain the League Cup last in opposition to Liverpool subsequent month.
However Mauricio Pochettino's males discovered Villa on a more durable observe as a mixture of 23 pictures from both facet failed to provide a winner.
In a rematch of the 2000 FA Cup last received by Chelsea, John McGinn spurned Villa's finest probabilities in every half.
Villa's Douglas Luiz additionally had the Brazilian's first-half effort disallowed for handball earlier than he completed.
Emiliano Martinez made wonderful saves from Chelsea gamers Noni Madueke and Cole Palmer to arrange a replay at Villa Park.
Nottingham Forest have been held to a 0-0 draw at Ashton Gate by Championship Large-killers Bristol Metropolis.
Metropolis recorded a shock victory over West Ham in a 3rd spherical replay earlier in January to as soon as once more make issues troublesome for his or her Premier League opponents.
AFP
