Five Things Learned: Bournemouth 1-2 Manchester City (FA Cup Quarter-Final) | OneFootball

Manchester City reached the FA Cup semi-final for a record-breaking seventh consecutive season after claiming a 2-1 win over Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.

Following on from the international break, City had a difficult task on their hands as they looked to throw a high-flying Bournemouth side off their perch in order to advance in the last cup competition they are competing in.

City started the game with intent, threatening Bournemouth’s goal immediately and earning a penalty courtesy of a Tyler Adams handball after 13 minutes.

The Norwegian stepped up and fired a tame effort into the bottom right corner which was saved by Kepa Arrizabalaga comfortably. Haaland had another guilt-edged chance moments later as he broke through and went one-on-one with the Spaniard, but lifted his effort over the keeper and over the bar.

Moments after the flurry of City chances, the hosts went up at the other end after a mistake from Matheus Nunes, gifting the ball to the Cherries and the resulting attack saw Justin Kluivert direct a header into the path of Evanilson, who had the simplest of tap-ins to give Bournemouth the lead.

City made a change at the break as Nico O’Reilly was introduced. O’Reilly made an instant impact, driving down the left before firing a ball to the back stick where a certain Erling Haaland was standing to equalise.

Haaland couldn’t continue after picking up a foot injury on the concrete, with the 24-year-old limping off before being replaced by Omar Marmoush, who went on to make an impact off the bench of his own.

Two minutes after his introduction, Marmoush found himself in the penalty area and on the end of a deft little touch from O’Reilly, who played the ball into the feet of Marmoush, who’s low effort crept underneath Arrizabalaga in goal to give City a crucial advantage.

City closed the game out in the style of champions, keeping Bournemouth at arm’s length by dictating the tempo off the match and eventually getting their just rewards, earning themselves a spot in this season’s FA Cup semi-final, where they will face Nottingham Forest at Wembley.

With that being said, here are five things we learned from City’s 2-1 victory over Bournemouth on Sunday evening!

1. Nico O’Reilly is the future of this club!

Hero of the FA Cup fifth-round against Plymouth Argyle, Nico O’Reilly stepped up to the mark once again with another massive impact – this time off the bench – delivering two assists to give City an all-important edge in the second half.

The imperial cup performances shown by O’Reilly should not be left alone. With injuries and age striking the midfield, young blood like O’Reilly should be given the opportunity to prove themselves and show that they do have a future at Manchester City.

2. A key position needs addressing this summer

With the majority of transfer talk centring around the midfield for City this summer, we mustn’t forget that the “rebuild” we are expecting shouldn’t solely be regarding the midfield, with the right-back position desperate for reinforcements.

With the lack of physicality of Rico Lewis and the failed experiment of Matheus Nunes, City are crying out for a natural full-back to come into the side and stake their place on the right side of defence ahead of next season.

3. Marmoush is on fire

Making it two goals in two games for City, Omar Marmoush has certainly made a name for himself since arriving to City in January. With Erling Haaland pictured leaving the Vitality Stadium on crutches after his injury, Marmoush has picked the right time to hit some form.

The Egyptian has played on the left and behind Haaland since his club debut against Chelsea, but the vacancy in a central role up top for City will give the forward the perfect opportunity to show everyone what he is capable of in his natural position.

4. Breaking records is what we do

Becoming the first club to reach seven consecutive FA Cup semi-finals, Manchester City broke yet another domestic record following their victory over Bournemouth on Sunday.

In a season riddled with crises, City will gladly celebrate their achievements when they come, with Pep Guardiola mentioning the feat immediately after the game on Sunday.

5. Plenty of life left in this season!

Despite the disappointment suffered throughout the season, City find themselves in the FA Cup semi-final and have a new lease of life amidst hunt a top-four Premier League position – all before the Club World Cup this summer.

With silverware on the line, it would be silly to write off City, who always come alive in the business part of a campaign – and Guardiola will be hellbent on turning a rotten season by all accounts into a successful one once again.