Pep Guardiola`s Manchester City dashed hopes for a fairytale FA Cup semi-final lineup by defeating Bournemouth in a close quarter-final match.
Most neutral fans were hoping for Bournemouth to join Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace, and Aston Villa in the FA Cup semi-finals, but Manchester City had other plans.
Bournemouth`s Brazilian striker Evanilson opened the scoring, but Erling Haaland equalized shortly after halftime, making up for missed opportunities in the first half, including a penalty.
Omar Marmoush, Haaland`s replacement, then scored the winning goal, his third since joining Manchester City in January.
Despite what is considered a less successful season for Manchester City by their own high standards, this win secures their seventh consecutive FA Cup semi-final appearance.
Manchester City will face Nottingham Forest in the semi-finals, a team currently ahead of them in the Premier League standings.
However, Guardiola demonstrated his tactical prowess and the strength of his squad by making substitutions that changed the course of the game.
He introduced 20-year-old Nico O’Reilly at halftime, who, despite playing as a left-back, is naturally an attacking midfielder. O’Reilly`s impact was immediate, providing assists for both of City`s goals.
While Liverpool seems set to win the Premier League, and the three promoted teams are likely to be relegated, this FA Cup season is shaping up to be a victory for teams outside the traditional elite if Forest, Villa, or Palace can emulate Newcastle`s Carabao Cup success.
Bournemouth will regret not capitalizing on their first-half lead. They missed suspended defenders Milos Kerkez and Dean Huijsen, forcing Julio Solar to make only his second appearance in English football.
Bournemouth initially struggled defensively, with Haaland missing several early chances, including a penalty saved by Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Haaland`s penalty miss was his third in six attempts, a stark contrast to his previous streak of 11 successful penalties.
Bournemouth took the lead when Evanilson scored, capitalizing on a Nunes error and beating Kluivert to Brooks` cross.
Bournemouth nearly extended their lead to 2-0, but Senesi couldn`t quite reach Brooks` free-kick.
At halftime, Guardiola brought on O’Reilly, and the young player was instrumental in City`s comeback. O’Reilly’s precise cross allowed Haaland to equalize early in the second half.
Shortly after Haaland was substituted due to injury, his replacement Marmoush scored the decisive goal, securing Manchester City`s place in the FA Cup semi-finals.
Marcus Bellamy