MANCHESTER // Below-par Manchester City were shown just how far they have to go to realise their lofty ambitions of success as the former European champions Nottingham Forest turned on the style to bundle their hosts out of the FA Cup. Robinho and Stephen Ireland may have been missing for Mark Hughes' side, but other than that the home team were at full strength.
City's new signing Wayne Bridge was in attendance and it soon became apparent why his signature was so coveted by Hughes as his side's defensive deficiencies were laid bare. The game was barely a minute old when Nathan Tyson swung over a cross for an unmarked Lewis McGugan, who should have found the net rather than nod wide. Elano's long-range effort was deflected wide at the other end. The Brazilian picked out Felipe Caicedo with his corner, but Paul Smith made an excellent one-handed save to deny the striker.
Shaun Wright-Phillips skipped past Wilson and found Caicedo with a low cross, but the Ecuador forward could not turn fast enough and Ian Breckin booted clear. Unfortunately for City it proved to be Wright-Phillips' last involvement as he immediately signalled to the bench he would not be able to continue after pulling a hamstring. And there was a further nasty surprise lurking for City on 38 minutes as Micah Richards headed a routine long-ball out of his penalty area. The loose ball dropped perfectly for Tyson who, from 20 yards, let fly with a dipping volley that gave Joe Hart no chance as it flew into the City net.
If that wasn't bad enough, Forest had a second four minutes later as Cohen robbed Zabaleta by the touchline and crossed for Thornhill. The midfielder's shot was off target, but it was perfect for Robert Earnshaw, who turned it home from six yards. Things barely improved for the home side in the second period. City huffed and puffed, but were mostly restricted to shots from distance by the visitors.
And the misery of the City fans was compounded in the 75th minute when Forest substitute Joe Garner wrapped up the scoring. * PA Sport
