Pep Guardiola hails his Man City players as ‘legendary’ after reaching seventh straight FA Cup semi-final | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola says Manchester City reaching their seventh consecutive FA Cup semi-final is an “outstanding achievement” after coming from behind to beat Bournemouth.

Erling Haaland had a first-half penalty saved by Kepa Arrizabalaga but the Norwegian striker atoned for his miss by equalising for Guardiola’s men after Evanilson had put Bournemouth in front in the opening 45 minutes.

Omar Marmoush, a second-half substitute for the injured Haaland, completed the City comeback with a low strike that Kepa should have saved to secure the Citizens another FA Cup semi-final appearance.

Fellow second half substitute Nico O’Reilly was the catalyst for the City comeback, with the 20-year-old assisting both goals and taking his tally in the FA Cup to three goals and two assists.

Guardiola was full of praise for his players for their achievement and the character they showed against a tough Bournemouth side.

He said: “We did it. Seven times in a row into the semi-finals of the FA Cup. I’m sorry to tell you but this is an outstanding achievement. That means this generation of players have done this for so many years. They have come to one of the toughest away places to come because of the way they play and the intensity.

“At half time, I said to the guys, you have the game in your hands even though you are not winning. So keep going and after the impact from Nico was really, really good. Not just him but everyone, we are really pleased.

“Not just the young players performed but also the older players as well. Today, Bernardo, Gundogan, and Kevin De Bruyne were really good, but of course, the young players.

“Look at Nico O’Reilly; he scored two goals against Plymouth, and look, today the impact was outstanding. He will play in the semi-final for sure!

“We played an outstanding game and had incredible chances, missed a penalty. We conceded with one chance we gave away. Our approach was magnificent. Seven times in a row semi-final in the FA Cup, no team has done it and it will be difficult for any other to do what these legendary players, the new ones and the old ones, will have done.”