Late goals by Phil Foden, Gabriel Jesus and Ferran Torres spared Manchester City a shock FA Cup defeat away to fourth-tier Cheltenham as the Premier League giants scraped into round five on Saturday.
Alfie May’s 59th-minute goal put Cheltenham agonisingly close to the biggest win in their history on a night of drama at a sadly empty Jonny-Rocks Stadium.
With less than 10 minutes left on the clock, Foden volleyed in an equaliser.
Jesus struck three minutes later to end the hopes of a side 72 places lower than City in the standings.
Torres gave the scoreline a comfortable look with the final kick of the game but it was anything.
It was City’s 10th successive win in all competitions but Cheltenham departs the competition full of pride after pushing City’s slickers to the limit.
City’s reward is an away tie against Swansea City.
Earlier, English FA Cup holders Arsenal exited the 2020/2021 competition on Saturday after a 1-0 fourth round defeat at Southampton.
Brazilian defender Gabriel conceded an own goal in the 24th minute, after a shot from Southampton defender Kyle Walker-Peters deflected into the net from his boot.
Southampton have now advanced to the fifth round, where they will travel to Wolverhampton Wanderers who on Friday knocked out sixth-tier side Chorley 1-0.
There are seven more FA Cup fixtures on Saturday with Manchester City visiting fourth-tier League Two side Cheltenham Town in a late kick-off match.(REUTERS/dpa/NAN)
