YoIt was a mere formality for pep guardiola's city of manchester.
If another first division The teams had had a tough time in the third round of the FA Cup and had to fight back against lower division teams, City took advantage of home advantage and ended their clash with Huddersfield in the first half.
At half-time they were already 2-0 up and in the second half they finished off the win with 5-0… with the return of Kevin De Bruyne the most applauded moment of the evening at the Etihad.
And beyond Stefan Ortega, Sergio Gómez and Oscar BobbCity's eleven was more than recognizable. The bad news was Manuel AkanjiThe injury.
But Guardiola He took advantage of the Premier League break to continue with the regulars. Erling HaalandOf course, he was rested. De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku returned to the squad after injury.
Manchester City players celebrate a goal.
Julián Álvarez impresses again
And the protagonist, as always lately, was Julian Alvarez. Goal and assist in the first half for the Argentine.
If he already shone in the Club World Cup less than a month ago, the former River player continues to impress and starts 2024 in the best possible way. The level of it does HaalandAbsence is easier to face.
In the second half City continued their path to the fourth round. Several returns to fitness were confirmed as Doku got minutes, along with DeBruyne.
The Belgian, who was wearing the armband, had not played since the first day of the Premier League back in August. He received a standing ovation upon his return to the field.
The goals came in abundance. Ben Jackson scored his own goal after Bobb's shot was deflected, Phil Foden scored twice and Doku made it 5-0 to close the win. Pep's team, current champion, is already in the fourth round.