English midfielder James Milner provided relief to the Premier League defending champions Manchester City in the FA Cup as he helped his side beat a resilient Sheffield Wednesday team who gave Manuel Pellegrini's men a fair fright.
City had trounced Sheffield Wednesday 7-0 the previous time they visited the Etihad Stadium, for a Capital One Cup tie in September. Wednesday had held City 0-0 at the break before crumpling in the second half.
However, this time it looked tough from the start as the score was 1-1 as the closing moments were played out, Stuart Gray's men having refused to stop hassling and harrying even after James Milner's 66th-minute equaliser, The Guardian reported.
Even after Milner, who turned 29 on Sunday, fired a winner in stoppage time, there was no stopping Gray's men.
Pellegrini admitted that his team had escaped, saying that he is relieved, because his side didn't play well, adding that they played very bad except the last 20 minutes when they went up another gear to try to create the space against a team that defends very well.
When half-time arrived City had been out-muscled by Wednesday who daunted the midfield.
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City had dominated possession but lacked the skill to make this tell.
Pellegrini's men started off by forcing two corners in succession after a Bacary Sagna attempt was deflected behind. Before Atdhe Nuhiu gave Wednesday the advantage City twice broke with menace but there was no end product.
City improved after the half-time as a pass from Jesus Navas skimmed across the area and Frank Lampard just failed to connect, then Yaya Toure had a shot blocked.
Milner came to City's rescue with his finish from a round-the-corner pass from David Silva as the ball went through Kirkland's legs for the equaliser. Milner fired another volley in extra time to help City win.
Gray hailed his team's spirit, saying that he is very proud, adding that last time there they lost 7-0 and they have pushed the champions until the last minute. But he added that one can see why City are the champions.