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In a season of low ebbs, Saturday’s fourth-round tie had the potential to be the lowest one yet as Manchester City narrowly escaped a monumental upset, defeating a spirited Leyton Orient side 2-1 to secure their spot in the FA Cup’s fifth round. Following Manchester United‘s contentious win over Leicester City on Friday night, Pep Guardiola’s team was left ruing the absence of VAR, which would have potentially altered the outcome of one of the most astonishing FA Cup goals in recent memory.
Leyton Orient’s Jamie Donley unleashed a breathtaking 45-yard strike that ricocheted off the crossbar, hit Stefan Ortega’s back, and trickled into the net, giving Richie Wellens’s men a shocking lead. The goal came shortly after City’s failed appeals for a foul on new signing Nico Gonzalez, which went unanswered by the referee.
The League One side squandered opportunities to extend their advantage but also relied on last-ditch defensive interventions to maintain their 1-0 lead at halftime. Orient’s players were not intimidated by their esteemed opponents, and their fearless approach nearly paid off as they threatened to increase their lead.
In the second half, City’s Abdukodir Khusanov scored a fortuitous first goal for his new club, finally breaching Orient’s defense. Although Leyton Orient refused to relinquish their giant-killing aspirations, substitute Kevin De Bruyne ultimately sealed the victory 11 minutes from time, rendering the hosts’ desperate late attempts for an equalizer futile.
This comeback triumph enabled Manchester City to extend their all-time FA Cup record, having won each of their last 18 games against lower-league teams, the longest streak of any top-flight club in history.
Saturday’s fourth-round tie had the potential to be Manchester City’s most dismal performance of the season, particularly given their uninspiring first-half display. While the Citizens created chances, their third-tier hosts were equally, if not more, menacing in the final third.
As the game progressed, the disparity in quality between the two benches became apparent. Manchester City’s ability to introduce Phil Foden and De Bruyne – albeit an ageing De Bruyne – proved decisive, whereas Leyton Orient’s substitutes, including 39-year-old Darren Pratley, couldn’t replicate the same impact.
De Bruyne’s goal was further proof that his exceptional touch remains, while Jack Grealish’s exquisite assist for the winner provided a rare positive in an otherwise dismal season for the £100m man. Grealish’s contribution was a welcome respite from his struggles this season.
Avoiding extra time and penalties before facing Real Madrid was likely a priority for Guardiola, but this performance raises more questions than answers. Conversely, Leyton Orient’s players can take pride in their valiant efforts, which pushed Manchester City to the limit.
