FA Cup: Man City Cruise Past Bristol, Blackburn Stun Leicester City

The fifth round of the FA Cup saw some major upsets and impressive performances from underdogs.

Manchester City, the defending champions, cruised to a 3-0 victory over second-tier Bristol City thanks to a brace from Phil Foden and a sublime long-range effort from Kevin De Bruyne.

Despite the scoreline, it was not an easy game for City as Bristol City, on a 12-match unbeaten run, pushed them hard and had some chances to get back into the game.

It will be @ManCity's name in the hat for the #EmiratesFACup quarter-final as the Cityzens ran out 3-0 winners over a resilient @BristolCity! ? pic.twitter.com/bHJ4racIIU

— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) February 28, 2023

Meanwhile, Leicester City's hopes of repeating their 2021 triumph were dashed as they were booed off the pitch after a shock 2-1 defeat at home to second-tier Blackburn Rovers.

The visitors thoroughly deserved their win, with Tyrhys Dolan and Sammie Szmodics getting on the scoresheet before a Kelechi Iheanacho reply for Leicester.

Rampant Rovers ?‍?@Rovers battled past a late fightback from @LCFC to seal an #EmiratesFACup quarter-final spot ? pic.twitter.com/jBl67rFaFc

— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) March 1, 2023

In another surprising result, Fulham reached the sixth round for the first time in 13 years with a superb 2-0 win over fellow Premier League side Leeds United.

Joao Palhinha and Manor Solomon scored the goals for the Cottagers, who are having a magnificent season under manager Marco Silva and are still chasing a European qualification spot on two fronts.

Two stunning @FulhamFC goals from tonight ?

But which do you prefer?#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/PvlFfKZUN4

— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) February 28, 2023

Brighton and Hove Albion's hopes of a first-ever major trophy remained intact as they sealed a narrow 1-0 win over second-tier Stoke City, with Evan Ferguson's first-half goal proving to be the difference.

The remaining four fifth-round ties are set to take place on Wednesday, with League Cup winners Manchester United hosting West Ham United in what promises to be an exciting encounter.

With the big guns of English football already facing some tough challenges in the FA Cup, the competition looks wide open this year, and we can expect more thrilling games and upsets in the rounds to come.