Manchester City reached the FA Cup semi finals for the first time since 2013 with an impressive 2-0 at Middlesbrough.

David Silva opened the scoring after only three minutes when he scored from close range from a Zabaleta cross from the right.

Boro’s defence and Brad Guzan in goal in particular worked hard to keep the score down, making several good saves and clearances before Sergio Aguero turned in a cross from the impressive Leroy Sane from close in on 66 minutes.

Middlesbrough battled hard and looked to have more fight than previous weeks with Fabio seeing a header cleared off the line late on

Boro will be sweating on injuries to Rudy Gestede and Bernardo Espinsosa who were both withdrawn before welcoming Manchester United to the Riverside next Sunday while Pep Guardiola was able to bring Aguero and Sane off before travelling to Monaco on Wednesday for their Champions League match now unbeaten in 11.

Arsenal put five past Lincoln City to end the FA Cup dream of the non-league leaders but had to work harder to advance than most fans would like. Despite naming a strong starting line-up the Gunners found themselves goalless for most of the first half with the Imps soaking up huge pressure and threatening themselves through a good Nathan Arnold run and shot before Theo Walcott opened the scoring in added time.

Arsenal reasserted themselves after the break and were quickly 3-0 up with goals from Giroud and an unlucky own goal from Imps captain Luke Waterfall getting the final touch to a goalbound shot.  This spurred the home side on with Sanchez adding a fourth and Ramsey a fifth to bring the curtain down on a difficult week for the club with a positive note.

Lincoln come out of their cup run with enormous credit and as well as being six points clear at the top of the National League, face a two-legged FA Trophy semi final with York City which could yet see them play at Wembley cup final this season.