Ukraine flags before kick-off were a reminder that football right now is far from being the most important thing.
But it was the chance to show support during a time when the world’s focus is on the heartbreak and devastation after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The strength of feeling and support was overwhelming for Manchester City’s Ukraine international Oleksandr Zinchenko who was given the captain’s armband and an emotional welcome.
The whole stadium stood and cheered as Zinchenko and Peterborough captain Frankie Kent carried the blue and yellow flag of Ukraine out onto the pitch.
It showed football can have a powerful voice and no-one at London Road will forget a night when every fan was unified in their support for Ukraine.
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Ultimately, football does not matter in times like these and yet it has a voice which can make a difference even in the midst of the hurly burly of a thunderous FA Cup tie.
It was City’s support act in Riyad Mahrez and Jack Grealish who did the damage with second half goals to finally break down Peterborough’s brave resistance.
Mahrez is enjoying the best goalscoring season of his career, he has 19 so far which includes six goals in his last seven games.
Grealish’s wonderful finish was a reminder of his quality as his control on Phil Foden’s long pass was just wonderful and it was Foden who provided both assists.
You have to admire Pep Guardiola because he always takes the domestic cups seriously and when you can rotate and still use £100m Grealish and Mahrez as neither are guaranteed starters.
But Guardiola clearly has his eyes on more trophies, City are six points clear in the title race, into the FA Cup quarter finals and still in the Champions League.
Their depth of quality is frightening and even on a difficult pitch at London Road they survive the difficult moments and then provide the quality when it matters.
It was always going to be an impossible ask for Peterborough, a team rooted to the bottom of the Championship but their new manager Grant McCann has clearly instilled some new resilience as they refused to buckle and gave their big name opponents a tough hour.
Lifelong City fan Noel Gallagher was in the away end but there was not much in the first half to keep him entertained as Ilkay Gundogan missed their best chance, planting a close range header wide of the target.
It was Peterborough who had the first shot on target when Jeando Fuchs’ effort was deflected off Nathan Ake while Sammie Szmodics scuffed wide from close range when Joe Ward’s long throw fell perfectly.
But just when you thought there might be a glimmer of hope for an upset, City broke Peterborough hearts on the hour mark.
Foden spread the ball wide to Mahrez and the City winger teased Peterborough wing back Hayden Coulson yet again before his low shot somehow went past keeper Steven Benda andcrept into the far corner.
Soon after, it was job done. Foden’s high ball was plucked out of the sky by Grealish, the England star then just beat Benda again with a lovely finish.
It was job done. A night Zinchenko will not forget. He put in a solid performance but the show of strength and support towards him will undoubtedly be more important.
