Cardiff City 0-2 Manchester City: 5 Talking Points
Score: Cardiff City 0-2 Manchester City
Goalscorers: Kevin De Bruyne 8', Raheem Sterling 37'
Kevin De Bruyne opened the scoring for City through a below-the-wall freekick and straight into the bottom corner. Raheem Sterling doubled that lead after the half-hour mark, getting at the end of De Bruyne's cross.
Manchester City eased their way into the fifth round of the FA Cup courtesy of a 2-0 win over Cardiff City, as Pep Guardiola made just four changes from the side that beat Bristol City, taking the cup competition rather seriously.
Along with the goals and some horrific challenges, the topic of VAR was also a major talking point from this game. Let's take a look at those key talking points in depth:
#5 Manchester City mean business
After Tottenham Hotspur's much-changed side drew against Newport County and Liverpool crashed out of the FA Cup after a disappointing performance, all eyes were on Guardiola's City.
By his team selection and by attending the last round replay between Cardiff and Mansfield, it was certain that the champions elect were not taking this competition, or Cardiff lightly.
Mind you, Cardiff City are a strong side this season. Currently, in the playoff positions, Cardiff play just as their manager Neil Warnock demands his team to - direct, physical and hard working. But when playing against this City side in their current terrorizing form, you need more than just courage.
Manchester City were quick of the blocks and showed creativity right from the word go. De Bruyne gave the visitors an eighth-minute lead and after that, there was no looking back for the Citizens.
City's attacking movements and link up play was sensational in the first half and it was in the first 45 minutes itself that the result of the game was seemingly decided.