Football: Bournemouth 1 - 2 Manchester City

City fight back to keep silverware hopes alive

Manchester City kept their trophy ambitions intact with a comeback victory over Bournemouth, securing an FA Cup semi-final clash with Nottingham Forest.

Author - Macca

Manc Super News: - FA Cup ~ Bournemouth v City

Evanilson’s scrappy 21st-minute finish put the hosts ahead at half-time, leaving Pep Guardiola staring down the possibility of his first trophyless season since his debut campaign at the club in 2016-17.

City had chances to level before the break, but Erling Haaland endured a frustrating first half. The Norwegian saw his penalty saved by Kepa Arrizabalaga and squandered two further gilt-edged opportunities as Bournemouth’s intensity unsettled the visitors.

Guardiola, however, made an immediate impact with his half-time changes. He introduced 20-year-old Nico O’Reilly for Abdukodir Khusanov, and within four minutes, the youngster (deployed at left-back) delivered a pinpoint cross for Haaland to tap in at the far post.

READ MORE: Nottingham Forest 1 - 0 Manchester City

Another substitution, this time enforced, led to City’s winner in the 63rd minute. O’Reilly slipped in Omar Marmoush, on for the injured Haaland, and the Egyptian’s low effort crept under Kepa, who should have done better.

Guardiola has downplayed the idea that even an FA Cup triumph would redeem what he views as a below-par season by City’s exceptional standards. Yet, his animated presence on the touchline—constantly cajoling his side—underlined his hunger to avoid the rarity of a trophyless campaign.

His selection reflected that urgency. City’s line-up was packed with seasoned winners, but they struggled to break down a lively and confident Bournemouth side. Guardiola acted decisively at the interval, shifting Josko Gvardiol into central defence and introducing O’Reilly in a move that proved pivotal.

READ MORE: Palace stun Fulham to keep FA Cup dream alive

READ MORE: FA Cup: 2024/2025 season

O’Reilly’s influence was immediate, providing the delivery for Haaland’s equaliser before setting up Marmoush’s decisive strike. City dominated the second half as Bournemouth’s early energy faded.

The one concern for City was Haaland’s early exit after he appeared to twist his left ankle in a touchline tangle with Lewis Cook.

This was far from a flawless display, exposing both City’s vulnerabilities and their resilience. But under Guardiola, the habit of winning trophies remains hard to shake.

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