Manchester City survive huge scare, come back to win vs. 4th-tier Cheltenham
Manchester City avoided one of the biggest upsets in FA Cup history with a late comeback to defeat League Two side Cheltenham Town on Saturday.
The fourth-tier minnows, who were facing City for the first time in a competitive fixture, were on course to turf their prestigious opponents out of the tournament after Alfie May eventually knocked in Ben Tozer's long throw-in.
UNBELIEVABLE, ALFIE MAY!#EmiratesFACup @CTFCofficial pic.twitter.com/lzMEZIcUsB
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) January 23, 2021
However, Pep Guardiola's men eventually overcame Cheltenham's narrow and resolute backline with goals from Phil Foden and Gabriel Jesus in the 81st and 84th minutes.
Ferran Torres made it 3-1 with a tap-in during the fourth minute of added time. The Spaniard's finish gave the scoreline a flattering look for the visitors, as Cheltenham threatened from set-pieces and stood up valiantly to City's array of attacking talent.
And the difference between two teams from England's professional leagues couldn't be starker: Cheltenham's monthly payroll is £200,000 - around two-thirds of Kevin De Bruyne's weekly salary, according to The Guardian's Ben Fisher.
"I'm incredibly proud," Cheltenham boss Michael Duff said post-match, as quoted by The Guardian's Scott Murray. "The players they brought off the bench probably tells you something. The way they celebrated their goals probably tells you something as well. They'll know they've been in a game."
Manchester City will face Championship promotion-chasers Swansea City in the fifth round. That match will take place around the midweek dates of Feb. 9-11.
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