Manchester City secured their spot in the FA Cup quarter-finals with a hard-fought win at Bristol City.

Despite the 3-0 win for City, the Championship outfit made things far from easy for Pep Guardiola’s side, who took an early lead at Ashton Gate.

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Riyad Mahrez fizzed a low ball across the box to find Phil Foden at the back post, who tapped in at a tight angle.

The hosts were quick in their efforts to find a response, and had huge claims for a penalty just minutes later.

Bristol City star Mark Sykes got the better of Rico Lewis and went down inside the area under contact from the City youngster.

Referee Andre Marriner waved away the protests, but Andy Townsend believes a penalty would have been awarded if VAR was present at Ashton Gate.

He told talkSPORT: “I tell you what, Sykes is the wrong side of Lewis. The young defender puts his arm on the shoulder of the Bristol City flyer who is just about to get that ball out of his feet to take the shot.

“He hits the floor, nothing doing according to Marriner, that’s really, really close.

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“I tell you what, if we had had VAR tonight, that would have been a really tight call but I think that’s a penalty.”

The hosts continued to threaten the City defence, but Guardiola’s side held firm and their lead was doubled when Foden’s shot was turned in by former Chelsea defender Tomas Kalas.

Kevin De Bruyne then fired in their third goal of the night in the latter stages to seal the victory.

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Whilst Bristol were unable to produce an FA Cup upset, their fellow Championship side Blackburn Rovers beat Premier League Leicester 2-1 at the King Power Stadium.

Brighton were 1-0 winners away at Stoke thanks to Evan Ferguson’s first half goal.

In the remaining tie of the night, Fulham progressed to the last eight with a 3-0 win over Leeds at Craven Cottage.