Premier League leaders Manchester City sent fourth division Swindon Town in a 4-1 away win on Friday to open an action-packed weekend in the FA Cup third round.
A total house on the county pitch saw its hopes for a big surprise dashed in the first half hour when a strong town side was twice struck by Bernardo Silva and Gabriel Jesus.
City, 72 rungs above their hosts on the English soccer's ladder, took the lead as teenager Cole Palmer crossed for Silva to hit home plate and was awarded second in the 28th minute when Jesús took converted a pass from Kevin de Bruyne after which Swindon was punished for trying to play out from the back.
Ilkay Gundogan took an accurate free kick to make it 3-0 in the 59th minute and Jesús was caught by a penalty saved by Swindon keeper Lewis Ward shortly after.
While Ward's stoppage elicited a huge standing ovation from the 15,000 spectators, the decibel level skyrocketed with just over 10 minutes to go when Swindon striker Harry McKirdy scored a consolation goal well executed.
City, without manager Pep Guardiola in attendance due to COVID-19 but with seven of the headlines from their victory at Arsenal on New Years Day, ensured there was no late drama when Palmer picked the top corner with an impressive left foot shot while standing at a sharp angle.
Still, it was the academy product Palmer that stole the show, with a dazzling display, which included a fascinating dribble to the right to prepare Silva for the opener.
"We had him train with us every day and he has a great quality, everyone can see it," Guardiola's assistant Rodolfo Borrell told ITV Sport.
"He's a great player, there is a lot of talent there and I hope he can start playing more minutes with us very soon like Phil Foden did a few years ago."
For Swindon, who played his first FA Cup third round match in a decade, it was a special night, even though the result was not as expected.
At the start of last year they were in danger of bankruptcy and relegated from League One and before the start of the season they were struggling to pay their staff.
But under manager Ben Garner, they have impressed this season with a striking possession-based style.
They stuck to their principles, but they were never going to beat Manchester City at their own game.
“The players in there it is a great experience for them,” Garner said. "I hope some will go ahead and play in the Premier League. I would like to think they will."
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