Manchester City advanced to the FA Cup semifinals after battling back from a goal down to secure a 2-1 victory over Bournemouth on Sunday. Substitute Omar Marmoush scored the decisive goal, while Erling Haaland redeemed himself by netting the equalizer after missing an earlier penalty.
The match kicked off with City on the offensive, and they were awarded a penalty in the 14th minute when Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams was penalized for a handball in the box. However, Haaland’s spot-kick was saved by goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, who dived smartly to his left to keep the scores level.
Bournemouth capitalized on their high-pressing strategy seven minutes later. Winning possession deep in City’s half, striker Evanilson bundled the ball over the line from close range, giving the hosts a surprising lead.
Manager Pep Guardiola made a pivotal change at halftime, bringing on 20-year-old Nico O’Reilly at left back. The young defender immediately made an impact, setting up Haaland for the equalizer in the 49th minute. O’Reilly’s precise pass across the face of goal allowed the Norwegian to slam the ball home at the far post.
Shortly after leveling the score, Haaland suffered an ankle injury that ended his afternoon. Marmoush was introduced as his replacement and wasted no time making his mark. Just two minutes after coming on, he slotted the ball into the net, securing City’s spot in the last four.
After the match, Guardiola praised O’Reilly’s performance, confirming that the young player would feature in the semifinal against Nottingham Forest on the weekend of April 26-27. O’Reilly expressed his delight at contributing to the team’s success despite playing in an unfamiliar position.
“I am just trying my hardest every game and trying to help the team out as much as I can,” O’Reilly said. “He (Guardiola) was just telling me to run in behind, try and get high, come inside when the winger goes outside, and I was just trying to do that.”
Manchester City’s comeback victory keeps their hopes alive for FA Cup glory as they look forward to the semifinals.
