Manchester City advances to FA Cup semi-final after victory over Bournemouth | OneFootball

During their recent FA Cup quarter-final match, Manchester City won 2-1 against Bournemouth, which enhanced their chances of picking up silverware this season. The win put City into yet another Wembley semi-final. Pep Guardiola’s side became the first team to make seven straight FA Cup semi-finals where they will face Nottingham Forest.

A Tale of Redemption and Resilience

Erling Haaland suffered an unbelievable starting sequence during the match, which almost cost his team dearly. During the opening sixteen minutes of the first half, Haaland failed to convert three golden opportunities, which stunned all City supporters. Nine minutes into the match, he failed to convert a free header that came from a Matheus Nunes cross into the wide-open goal while standing only six yards from the net. In the 12th minute, Manchester City were awarded a penalty. But Bournemouth goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga saved Haaland’s penalty by diving toward his left side. Four minutes later Haaland executed a breakaway that ended with a chipped effort effort going over Kepa and the crossbar. The miss resulted in the striker showing a subtle smirk on his face.

The way Haaland missed multiple chances resembled what players do in online casino games. All statistical norms were shattered by Haaland’s unexpected missed opportunities since he usually scores decisively in front of the goal.

Bournemouth opened the scoring when Matheus Nunes gave away possession in the 21st minute. Thereafter, Lewis Cook stole possession to deliver the ball to David Brooks, who connected through a cross with Evanilson at the corner of the six yard box. The Brazilian striker made a sliding attempt which Justin Kluivert bundled home and caused wild celebrations at the Vitality Stadium.

The three midfielders of Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan –a foundation of English football displays –appeared surprisingly off-paced in the first half of Manchester City’s match. The experienced City players failed to control the match against Bournemouth’s high-intensity style which gave the hosts growing belief throughout the first half.

The game changed after halftime with Nico O’Reilly’s introduction.

The second half brought a swift change in fortunes for Pep Guardiola’s team’s fate. Four minutes into the second half, Erling Haaland made up for his earlier misses. He slid at the back post to finish off Nico O’Reilly’s cross and reach his 30th goal of this season. Pep Guardiola brought in the young O’Reilly to revitalize his team and the player instantly started making positive contributions.

Haaland’s joy of scoring the equalizer faded shortly after. Haaland got injured after contact with Lewis Cook which resulted in him crashing into the advertising equipment. Soon after coming into the field Omar Marmoush established himself with an immediate memorable play in the 63rd minute. O’Reilly sent Marmoush into the scoring position when he made a neat pass. The substitute converted with authority beyond Kepa to provide the game-winning goal.

Bournemouth showed indications of fatigue during the later phases of matches. City’s determined effort to qualify for another FA Cup semi-final  against Bournemouth was rewarded come the final whistle. Manchester City’s second half performance was reminiscent of Pep Guardiola’s side at their best. They suffocated Bournemouth who didn’t have a chance of note throughout the second hald.

Coming out for the game Manchester City had secured another trip to Wembley. The biggest concern for City was the injury suffered by Erling Haaland. He now faces a spell on the sidelines and is in doubt for City’s semi-final clash with Nottingham Forest.

Beyond the Result: The Bigger Picture

The victory was crucial for Pep Guardiola’s team because this season their uncontested dominance of English football has faded. This season Manchester City can only depend on their FA Cup win to earn a trophy due to their unsatisfactory results in Premier League and European competition.

The FA Cup quarter-final loss was disappointing for Andoni Iraola’s side. The Punching Cherries’ continuous development as a club depends on their present fighting spirit along with their incredible season results. They gave all they could at the Vitality Stadium but ran out of legs in the second half.

In closing

Since Pep Guardiola took over as manager, Manchester City has established themselves as as force in the FA Cup due to the fact they have now made seven consecutive FA Cup semi-finals. The opposition from Bournemouth tried their best against Manchester City in this game. Yet the City’s championship pedigree emerged in the games decisive moments. Manchester City must overcome a difficult challenge to convert their semi-final appearance against Nottingham Forest into an FA Cup triumph. They will be looking to avoid a trophy-less season as their FA Cup campaign continues later this month.