FA Cup: Man City, Arsenal ride on slim victories to progress

Manchester City remain on course for a possible domestic double, while Arsenal also kept alive their faint hopes to end their 8-year trophy drought after securing slim wins in some of Saturday’s Fourth Round FA Cup games.

City conquered a stubborn Stoke City side 1-0 in a duel played at the Brintania Stadium.

Paulo Zabaleta scored the only goal in the 85th minute to send City to the fifth round of the FA Cup.

In their own game, Arsenal huffed and puffed as they gave away their lead on two occasions before emerging 3-2 winners over a resilient lower League side, Brighton.

Arsenal finally edged through to the last 16 as substitute Theo Walcott netted a late winner to secure a 3-2 victory for the Gunners.

In other games, Victor Anichebe’s Everton also booked a place in the next phase on the back of their 2-1 away win at the Rebook stadium over Bolton Wanderers, while Reading, with Nigerian youngster, Henry Akpan, mauled Shelfield Wednesday 4-1 to progress. Dickson Etuhu also helped his team Balckburn Rovers to qualify with a 3-0 win over Derby County.

It was however not a sweet tale for the duo of Sone Aluko and Seyi Olofinjana as Hull City were sent packing from this season’s competition after losing by a lone goal at home to Barnsley.

QPR were also shocked 4-2 at home by MK Dons, while it was also end of the road for Norwich City who fell 0-1 at home to Luton Town.

The draw for the fifth round will take place sunday as the journey to Wembley for the world oldest cup competition continues.