FA Cup: De Bruyne returns as Manchester City hit five past helpless Huddersfield

After overcoming strong competition from Manchester United in the previous year's FA Cup Final and achieving an impressive five-trophy triumph, Pep Guardiola made it clear that he understands the significance of this competition.

The situation seemed bleak for Darren Moore's injury-plagued Terriers, who showed energy on the counterattack and managed to hold out longer than expected before Phil Foden scored in the 33rd minute.

With his 18th goal involvement of the season, Foden's left-footed strike forced the Terriers to abandon their compact 4-5-1 formation, giving Julian Alvarez the opportunity to score a second goal moments later.

Rico Lewis and substitute Matheus Nunes combined well on the right side, eventually leading to Lewis delivering a skewed shot that fell into the path of predatory Alvarez, who skillfully guided it past Nicholls.

Considering that the Town players have conceded three or more goals on eight separate occasions this season, it would be understandable if they were not eager to return for the second half, especially with Kevin De Bruyne waiting on the touchline.

De Bruyne's entrance sparked the Juggernaut into action once again, as Nunes set Oscar Bobb free on the right. The Norwegian attempted to find his teammate at the back post, but fortunately for him, his cross-cum-shot took a wicked deflection and looped into the net via Nicholls' crossbar.

Sorba Thomas had a chance to pull one back when he found himself one-on-one with Stefan Ortega, but the goalkeeper made an excellent save. However, Foden's long-range second goal effectively sealed the game.

Jeremy Doku then scored a fifth goal, leaving a humbled Darren Moore to focus on more pressing matters, as his side is only three points above the relegation zone.

On the other hand, City has very different aspirations, with the possibility of achieving a double-treble not seeming too far-fetched.