Huddersfield hold Manchester City to earn FA Cup replay

18 February 2017 17:39

Championship Huddersfield frustrated Manchester City to take their FA Cup fifth-round tie to a replay with a goalless draw at the John Smith's Stadium.

The Yorkshire side had a first-half strike disallowed for offside and City's Claudio Bravo was the busier of the two goalkeepers as David Wagner's men produced a spirited display.

But City were not overly troubled and given the addition to their fixture lists, both managers might have been left rueing making 15 changes between them.

That may be especially so for Pep Guardiola and City, who might also have to alter plans for a warm-weather training camp in Abu Dhabi after Tuesday's Champions League clash against Monaco.

Eight of the changes were made by City, although with recalls for Sergio Aguero, Pablo Zabaleta and Claudio Bravo among those recalled, the visitors were hardly fielding fringe players.

Promotion-chasing Huddersfield also did not look like a side unfamiliar to each other as they made a bright start. Bravo, criticised for failing to make saves before being dropped last month, was in action early on as Rajiv van La Parra got in a shot. He also tipped over a well-struck free-kick from Jack Payne.

Joel Coleman, Huddersfield's second-choice goalkeeper, had to be alert as Nolito got through on goal and Mark Hudson cleared Jesus Navas' follow-up attempt off the line.

Huddersfield were twice frustrated by offside decisions. First Collin Quaner's penalty appeal was ruled irrelevant because a flag was raised and then Philip Billing was denied a goal from a corner because Van La Parra was offside.

Further good by the hosts led to Van La Parra getting in another shot from the edge of the area but Bravo saved at the second attempt.

City struggled to impose themselves but threatened when Aguero chipped over after catching Coleman off his line and Nolito had a shot deflected narrowly wide. Aguero also got in a snapshot but Coleman parried.

The frustration for City continued after the break and Wagner made a couple of attacking substitutions just before the hour, perhaps sensing a chance as he sent on Elias Kachunga and Nahki Wells.

The crowd also attempted to rouse the players with some loud backing, although someone may have overstepped the mark as City substitute Bacary Sagna appeared to be sprayed with a liquid as he warmed up. The 34-year-old made clear his displeasure as he glared back into the stand.

City tried to raise the tempo themselves by introducing Kevin De Bruyne and Leroy Sane but Huddersfield continued to take the game to the visitors.

They made some good breaks down the left and Bravo had some awkward aerial balls to deal with but the clear-cut chances did not come. City also failed to make openings and 0-0 seemed a fair result.

Source: PA