After producing a seismic FA Cup shock in the fourth round, Plymouth Argyle must do it all over again as the Championship side take on Manchester City for a quarter-final place.
Miron Muslic’s second-tier strugglers stunned Premier League leaders Liverpool to continue their cup run and set up an encounter with another of the top flight’s giants. The hosts may be out of the chase for silverware in the league and Europe but Pep Guardiola’s side are looking stronger and stronger contenders in this competition as many of their rivals tumble out.
But their vulnerability was on display in a nervy outing against Leyton Orient in the previous round, and their visitors will hope to prey on any frailties this afternoon. Surely another giant-killing is beyond the Pilgrims? In this grand old competition, never rule anything out…
Follow all of the latest from the Etihad Stadium with our live blog below.
FULL-TIME! Man City 3-1 Plymouth
The referee brings the match to an end and City earn a deserved win, but it’s a performance that Plymouth will take plenty of heart from.
Chris Wilson1 March 2025 19:41
Man City 3-1 Plymouth
And again from City, with Grealish finding De Bruyne who pokes a brilliant cross to the far post before City win a corner. Nothing comes from the set-piece though.
Chris Wilson1 March 2025 19:38
Man City 3-1 Plymouth
More chances for City, and they’re almost 1-v-1 from near halfway as Silva picks it up, but he can’t find the pass to Grealish.
GOAL! Man City 3-1 Plymouth
City break and it’s a long ball in-behind for Haaland, who can only shoot straight at Hazard.
Nevertheless, he picks up the rebound and squares it past the ‘keeper for De Bruyne to slide into an empty net.
Chris Wilson1 March 2025 19:36
Man City 2-1 Plymouth
Oh, could that have been the moment for Plymouth?
They break forward and Al Hajj is allowed into the box unchallenged, but he can’t quite find the pass and the chance goes begging.
Chris Wilson1 March 2025 19:34
Man City 2-1 Plymouth
City are almost in for a third as Grealish finds De Bruyne on the overlap, but his cross is palmed away by Hazard.
Chris Wilson1 March 2025 19:33
Man City 2-1 Plymouth
It’s time for Plymouth to take risks now but they aren’t enjoying a lot of possession, and they miss out on a chance as a long throw is cleared.
City are looking comfortable here.
Chris Wilson1 March 2025 19:30
Man City 2-1 Plymouth
Changes for both sides as Foden is replaced by Nico Gonzalez, while Sorinola comes off for Plymouth and is replaced by Szűcs.
Grealish almost threads a great through ball into the box, but it’s nicked at the last.
Chris Wilson1 March 2025 19:28