Julian Alvarez was reinstated to the starting line-up for Man City’s 4-0 FA Cup win over Chelsea on Sunday.
Striker Julian Alvarez was pleased with his contribution after scoring a penalty in Manchester City’s 4-0 FA Cup third round victory over Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Fresh from beating the Londoners 1-0 at Stamford Bridge on Thursday evening, City got the better of Graham Potter’s side for the second time in just four days, only this time it was a lot more convincing. City found themselves three goals to the good by half-time following a burst of three goals in the space of just 15 minutes.
Riyad Mahrez opened the scoring with a sumptuous free-kick before Alvarez slotted home a penalty on the half-hour mark. Phil Foden added a third before the break to put Pep Guardiola’s side in complete control.
The City chief decided to make several changes to the side that was victorious at Stamford Bridge, handing a first start to Alvarez since he returned from winning the World Cup with Argentina in Qatar. He dislodged Erling Haaland up front and made no mistake from the spot when Mahrez, who netted a penalty in the second half, allowed him the chance to get back among the goals.
“We played very well,” said Alvarez. “A four-goal difference, we’re happy with the result. Now we focus on the next games coming in the future.
“I’m happy that Riyad let me take that penalty kick. I’m happy that I contributed and that we won. Now we focus on the future.”
The 22-year-old’s penalty means that he has now taken his tally of goals for the campaign to eight, just one behind City’s second-highest scorer this season, Foden, who has nine. The Argentine international led the line well and completed the full 90 minutes.
City’s reward for easing past Chelsea is a fourth-round tie at home to either Premier League title rivals Arsenal or League One outfit Oxford United. Those two sides are scheduled to meet in the final third round tie on Monday evening at Oxford’s Kassam Stadium.
