Aston Villa vs. Manchester City: Score, Reaction from 2016 FA Cup 4th-Round Game
Manchester City effortlessly claimed a place in the next stage of the FA Cup on Saturday, defeating Aston Villa 4-0 in the fourth round at Villa Park.
The hero of the hour for City was 19-year-old Kelechi Iheanacho, as the Nigeria international struck a hat-trick to give the visitors a simple victory.
City followed their success in reaching the Capital One Cup final with a convincing display in the FA Cup, and they remain one of the favourites for the competition.
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Iheanacho was drafted into the starting XI as Sergio Aguero was placed on the bench, rested in anticipation of City's busy schedule ahead.
Villa manager Remi Garde named a strong side for the match, despite the hosts facing a relegation dogfight in the months ahead.
City's official Twitter account shared a video of the teams coming out:
It was City who started the more positively, and Iheanacho scored after just four minutes of the tie.
The teenage sensation latched onto a blocked header by Fernando from a corner, and he made sure of his effort from close range, sending the travelling fans wild.
ITV highlighted City's opener, as many Villa fans took the day off:
Opta Joe pointed towards the Nigerian's prolific nature:
Fabian Delph was back at his former club, featuring for the Sky Blues, and the midfielder dictated much of the early play, driving his side forward.
City remained in charge and dominant until they scored their second of the day from the penalty spot, with Iheanacho stepping up for spot-kick duties.
Raheem Sterling's quick feet saw him brought down in the box, and the England international allowed the teenage striker to take the kick after initially appearing keen to place the ball on the spot.
Sterling selflessly gave the opportunity to Iheanacho, who finished with aplomb to set up his hat-trick, and seal a 2-0 half-time lead.
Pundit Tim Flowers was impressed with the youngster's penalty, per BBC's Match of the Day:
Villa's misery continued in the second half as their opponents continually outclassed and exposed them time and again.
Gabby Agbonlahor was introduced for the hosts shortly after the hour-mark to boost a chance of a comeback, but it was City who extended their lead.
Garde's men looked well beaten as Iheanacho snatched his third after 74 minutes, completing a great day for the teen.
City hailed the goal on social media:
The striker slotted his effort coolly past goalkeeper Brad Guzan as the stopper came out, sparking celebrations as the youngster's team-mates congratulated him.
Villa's misery was compounded two minutes later as Raheem Sterling notched a fourth for City. The winger had tormented the hosts for the whole of the match, and Sterling profited from awful defending from Villa. Iheanacho's acrobatic volley fell to the feet of the goalscorer, and Sterling gratefully accepted the opportunity.
The Sky Blues celebrated the win with their fans at full-time, as the hat-trick hero took the plaudits. City shared a picture of the Nigerian starlet with the match ball:
Bleacher Report's Rob Pollard sang Iheanacho's praises, and lauded his contribution:
"Iheanacho has led the line today better than Bony has at any stage this season.
— Rob (@RobPollard_) January 30, 2016"
"That was special. Fans brilliant, Iheanacho a star, Fernandinho amazing, kids given a run out, Delph un-arsed by boos. Great day.
— Rob (@RobPollard_) January 30, 2016"
City might not have an easier game in the weeks ahead, but Villa look like a team who will be playing in the lower leagues next year.
The Sky Blues earned their 4-0 win without flying into top gear at any point, but the performances of Iheanacho and Sterling display the current depth of coach Manuel Pellegrini's squad.
Despite the recent injury to Kevin De Bruyne, the Manchester club are hitting top form just at the right time, and today's win was achieved with Aguero sat on the bench.
Post-Match Reaction
Pellegrini was delighted with his team's comprehensive win over Villa and gave his thoughts on Iheanacho's prolific performance, per BBC Sport's Simon Stone:
City are back in action next in the Premier League on Tuesday, when they travel to Sunderland. Villa also play in the league on Tuesday, away at West Ham United.
