5 FA Cup talking points as Man City and Palace progress but Spurs dumped out

Manchester City booked their place in the quarter final of the FA Cup with a routine win over Peterborough United, but Tottenham are out after a humbling defeat by Middlesbrough.

It was a stellar night of FA Cup action as three Premier League sides were in action.

City kicked off first and took a while to get into the game, but second-half goals from Riyad Mahrez and Jack Grealish meant there was no upset in Peterborough.

Crystal Palace will also join them in the last eight after eventually toppling Stoke City at home with a 2-1 win.

Spurs were taken to extra time by a resilient Middlesbrough only to be the victims of the only shock of the night when Josh Coburn lashed home from close range for the hosts.

Mirror Football has analysed 5 talking points across all three fixtures.

Oleksandr Zinchenko given the armband

In what was a particularly moving gesture, Oleksandr Zinchenko was given the captain's armband for City's visit to the Weston Homes Stadium.

The full-back was pictured in tears before kick-off on Saturday evening before the game against Everton and emotions were running high yet again on Tuesday given the Russian invasion of Zinchencko's home country.

Ahead of the game, Pep Guardiola explained how it was Fernandinho's decision to relinquish the role of captaincy himself and hand the reins to his Ukrainian teammate.

"Our captain decided to give the armband to him to show how important the situation is and we are all behind this gesture to represent his country," the City boss explained.

The home faithful loudly applauded Zinchenko's name when it was read out and banners in support of Ukraine were proudly held high around the ground.

Jack Grealish's first FA Cup goal

Many had tipped City to run riot against a side that have shipped more than 70 goals in all competitions this season and currently sit bottom of the Championship.

However, the reigning Premier League champions struggled to break down their counterparts and failed to create many meaningful chances in the first 45 minutes.

This was not a weakened or under-strength City side by any means, the most expensive footballer in British history in Jack Grealish was one of many stars on display for the visitors.

The £100m man notched his first goal in this competition mid-way through the second half.

Grealish latched on to a delightful chipped through ball from fellow England international Phil Foden to prod his effort home.

Middlesbrough take another scalp

Chris Wilder's team toppled Manchester United on penalties at Old Trafford in the last round and showed a similarly spirited showing at home to Spurs.

The Championship outfit had numerous chances to win the game both during the 90 minutes and in extra-time.

Jonny Howson defied his put on a masterful display in the middle of the park to constantly build attacks for the hosts as well as chipping in with the collective defensive effort.

At times, Conte's side were clinging on as Middlesbrough applied an immense amount of pressure on their top-flight opponents.

In the end, justice was served as Wilder's men beat a Premier League side for the second time running thanks to an emphatic effort from teenage sub Josh Coburn in the 107th minute.

Strong Spurs side stutter

Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte did not take his foot off the gas when it came to his team selection for the trip to Middlesbrough.

Harry Kane, Son Heung-Min and in form January signing Dejan Kulusevski all started from the off alongside the same back-five that starred in the recent victory over Leeds.

Though his side are currently in what is likely to be a hard-fought battle for the coveted fourth spot in the league, the Italian is obviously desperate to end the club's 14-year trophy drought.

Conte's recent comments have sparked doubt over his future but he would have hoped a win at the Riverside would go some way to quelling any talk of a potential exit.

However, Spurs were hardly convincing and were arguably second best for large periods of the game.

Middlesbrough undoubtedly had the better chances throughout the game and spurned two glorious opportunities from corners.

Thanks to 19-year-old Coburn, they were not made to pay for their wastefulness.

Patrick Vieira's FA Cup form continues

The Frenchman's appointment was greeted with scepticism from some quarters before a ball had been kicked, but the Eagles have quietly impressed this term.

Armed with a young, skilful side that boasts names such as Conor Gallagher and Michael Olise - Palace are now staring down the barrel of at least a date at Wembley.

Following their home win over Stoke City in the last 16, just one more game separates Palace from a semi-final played under the iconic arch.

Vieira enjoyed an illustrious relationship with this competition as a player with Arsenal and saw his final kick as a Gunner secure what was eventually his fourth FA Cup.

Palace took the lead shortly after half-time through Cheikhou Kouyate only to be pegged back five minutes later when Josh Tymon equalised for the Potters.

Jairo Riedewald turned out to be the hero for the hosts late on at Selhurst Park with his 82nd minute winner to seal Palace's progression.

Vieira has guided the club to the quarter final for the first time since the 2018/19 campaign and will be hoping he can spring a shock to get his hands on the FA Cup once again come May.