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Manchester City were sensationally knocked out of the FA Cup by third-tier Wigan Athletic who beat the 10-man Premier League leaders 1-0 in a stunning fifth round upset with a late goal by their talisman Will Grigg.
On a magical night in the world’s oldest cup competition, Grigg secured one of the biggest shocks by slotting the ball home from the edge of the box in the 79th minute during Monday's clash after a misjudgement by City substitute Kyle Walker, reports Reuters.
Chants of ‘Will Grigg’s on Fire’ echoed around the DW Stadium.
The visitors had played the entire second half with 10 men after midfielder Fabian Delph was sent off in the 45th minute for a sliding challenge on Max Power.
The defeat was City’s third of the season, and ended their hopes of an unprecedented quadruple of trophies this campaign.
Manager Pep Guardiola said his expensively-assembled side had done everything they could but paid the price for one mistake.
“That kind of game is like a final and always the teams can punish you,” he told the BBC.
“OK. So accept the defeat. Congratulations to Wigan,” added the Spaniard, whose side enjoyed 82 per cent of possession in the second half.
Wigan will host another Premier League team Southampton in next month’s quarter-finals having now beaten three top-flight sides in their fairytale Cup run.
“It feels great, doesn’t it,” said their manager Paul Cook. “It’s such a severe test, they’re such a strong side... tonight we had to ride our luck at times.
“But that’s what makes the FA Cup so special.”