Manchester City cruised into the Fifth Round of the FA Cup with a thumping 4-1 win over Fulham, while Brentford also suffered a 4-1 reverse as they fell to Everton.
However, City levelled within two minutes through Ilkay Gundogan and were ahead inside a quarter-of-an-hour thanks to John Stones’ header, before a second half double from Riyad Mahrez secured smooth progression.
It was another afternoon to forget for out-of-form Brentford as they were ultimately hammered at Goodison Park as Frank Lampard began his Toffees reign with a resounding victory.
Ivan Toney’s penalty briefly threatened to give the Bees hope after Yerry Mina and Richarlison had put the hosts in charge, but Mason Holgate restored the two-goal cushion before Andros Townsend added a fourth in stoppage time. Good news at least for Thomas Frank were the returns of goalkeeper David Raya and midfielder Josh Dasilva from long-term injuries.
Michael Olise continued his fine form as he made one and scored the other in Crystal Palace’s comfortable 2-0 win over League Two Hartlepool but QPR’s cup run is over after they were beaten 2-0 away at Championship strugglers Peterborough.