Man City Survive Scare as O’Reilly Inspires FA Cup Semi-Final Push
Records keep tumbling for Man City, but Saturday’s win over Bournemouth had far more drama than Pep Guardiola would have liked. City entered the FA Cup quarter-final as the heavy favorites, chasing their seventh straight appearance in the semi-finals — a feat no English side has ever managed before. Bournemouth, though, had other plans at a packed Vitality Stadium, and for much of the first half, it seemed an upset might brew on the south coast.
Bournemouth’s game plan was clear from the opening whistle: press City, tighten up at the back, and try to break on the counter. The hosts' manager set his side up with purpose, exploiting City’s riskier moments on the ball. Their efforts paid off in the 21st minute. City’s defenders made a mess of a clearance after Justin Kluivert’s determined run, and the loose ball tumbled kindly for Evanilson. The Brazilian forward made no mistake, stabbing home despite City’s attempts to recover. Bournemouth fans erupted, smelling the blood of the champions after a rare show of panic at the back.
City’s response was frantic, but lacked composure. Erling Haaland — usually ruthless — miskicked a golden penalty chance in the 14th minute, drilling it wide when the Vitality shuddered at the prospect of another City onslaught. Moments later, Haaland again found himself one-on-one, but the young Cherries keeper stood tall. City looked unsure, their passes missing the target and Bournemouth’s defenders growing in confidence with every block and clearance.
The first half ended with City trailing, agitation clear in Guardiola’s body language. The solution? Change was needed — and it came from a perhaps unexpected source.
Nico O’Reilly: From Bench to Game-Changer
Enter Nico O'Reilly, thrust into the action after the half. The 20-year-old academy product, still making a name for himself among City’s galaxy of stars, was handed a life-defining task: rescue City’s FA Cup dreams.
He didn’t shy away. Within minutes of coming on, O’Reilly showcased exactly why Guardiola rates him so highly. Picking up the ball wide, he drove past two Bournemouth players and whipped in a cross to the far post, where Haaland — making up for his earlier misses — slid in the equalizer. The relief was visible on City faces: back in the tie, their nerves settling after the 49th-minute goal.
Haaland, though, was visibly uncomfortable after a rough challenge. Moments after equalizing, he limped off with an ankle injury, casting a shadow over City’s celebrations. In his place came Omar Marmoush, and within two minutes, he made his own impact. O’Reilly was again involved in the build-up, his energy forcing Bournemouth’s midfield to retreat. The ball broke kindly for Marmoush, who tucked a low shot past Kepa Arrizabalaga at his near post—the turnaround complete. Suddenly, that early Bournemouth energy faded as City asserted control.
Bournemouth still pushed for a late equalizer, but City’s defense held out. The introduction of O’Reilly shifted the momentum entirely, giving City a fresh spark just as they looked out of ideas. Guardiola could be seen barking instructions from the touchline, urging his players to stay composed.
After the final whistle, Guardiola singled out the young midfielder. Instead of talking about Haaland’s injury or the defensive mistake early on, the City boss heaped praise on O’Reilly, saying his impact had completely changed the flow of the game. The stats underline his point: O’Reilly finished the match with the highest number of successful dribbles for City and won more duels in his 45 minutes than any other City midfielder on the day.
City’s reward? A showdown with Nottingham Forest at Wembley on April 26 — and a chance to make more FA Cup history. For Bournemouth, it’s heartbreak, but also proof they can rattle even the best. For City, it’s a timely reminder: no matter the odds, each FA Cup night can deliver shocks, nerves, and a new name for the headlines. This time, it was O’Reilly’s.
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