Having taken an early lead, the hosts had made light work of the Rotherham defence, but were seemingly unable to make their superior quality count. That was until five minutes before half time. Another move typical of the side under manager Guardiola; a lofted pass from Ilkay Gundogan removed the Rotherham back line from play completely.
Youngster Phil Foden reaped the rewards by reading the play and making an intelligent run to the back post; finishing the move by bundling the ball home past keeper Rodak.
Replays showed that Foden had indeed managed to nudge the ball past the on-rushing stopper by virtue of a combination of his chest and knee. However, while the finish from Foden could have been tidier, the young Englishman was visibly delighted to get on the score sheet. His appearance on the afternoon was his maiden bow in the FA Cup, and as well as being able to mark the occasion with a goal, his first home goal for his boyhood club, he will just be glad to get more senior experience under his belt.
So, after much passing and probing, City had a two goal cushion in the tie.
January 6, 2019