Manchester City continued their remarkable streak in the FA Cup by booking a semi-final berth with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. The win, however, came at a cost as star striker Erling Haaland limped off injured late in the match. City’s journey to the semi-finals was anything but straightforward, as they overcame an early deficit and showcased resilience in the face of adversity.
The match began ominously for Manchester City as Bournemouth took an unexpected lead in the 21st minute. A defensive error by Matheus Nunes allowed David Brooks to intercept the ball and cross it into the box. Justin Kluivert’s clever movement saw him redirect the ball towards Evanilson, who pounced on the loose ball to slot it home. The goal stunned the visitors, who struggled to find their rhythm in the opening stages.
City’s response was swift. Just four minutes into the second half, Haaland equalized with a clinical finish, converting a rebound after Kepa Arrizabalaga saved his initial effort. The Norwegian striker, who had missed a penalty earlier in the game, redeemed himself with the equalizer, his 30th goal of the season. However, his night ended prematurely when he was substituted off with an ankle injury, raising concerns about his availability for upcoming fixtures.
Substitute Omar Marmoush wasted no time making an impact. Introduced in the 69th minute, the Egyptian international took just two minutes to put City ahead. A precise cross from Nico O’Reilly found Marmoush unmarked in the box, and he made no mistake in slotting the ball past Kepa. The goal secured City’s passage to the semi-finals, setting up a clash with Nottingham Forest.
Bournemouth, who had shown commendable spirit throughout the game, simply ran out of steam in the second half. They failed to register a single shot on target after halftime, highlighting their inability to maintain the intensity required to compete against a relentless City side. Manager Andoni Iraola admitted post-match that his team lacked energy and intensity in the final third, conceding that the game had shifted decisively in City’s favor after halftime.
Despite their FA Cup success, Manchester City’s season has been marred by inconsistencies, particularly in the Premier League. The reigning champions have struggled to replicate their dominance of recent seasons, suffering setbacks that have jeopardized their Champions League qualification prospects. Pep Guardiola acknowledged the difficulties his team has faced this term but expressed satisfaction with their FA Cup achievement.
“This generation of players, they have done this,” Guardiola said, referring to City’s unprecedented run of seven consecutive FA Cup semi-final appearances. “Seven times in a row reaching semi-finals in the FA Cup…this is outstanding.”
The Catalan coach also highlighted the stark contrast in performances between City’s current form and their performance in November, when they suffered a damaging defeat to Bournemouth. “We came here (in November) with the flip flops on against a team that if you don’t compete, it is impossible,” Guardiola remarked. “In football, you have to run. People say about my teams ‘how good they play’ but no, it is how much we run, how much we fight.”
Haaland’s performance was a mixed bag. The Norwegian striker squandered several golden opportunities in the first half, missing a penalty and failing to convert a header from a dangerous cross. His inability to capitalize on chances was compounded by a moment of hesitation when he dinked over Kepa but also over the bar. Guardiola’s decision to substitute Haaland midway through the second half suggests concerns about the severity of his injury, though the club has yet to confirm the extent of the damage.
While Haaland’s injury is a cause for concern, City’s January signing of Marmoush has proven to be a shrewd acquisition. The Egyptian winger, who scored six goals in 11 appearances after joining from Eintracht Frankfurt, provided the decisive moment in Sunday’s match. His strike from O’Reilly’s assist sealed City’s victory and ensured their place in the semi-finals.
Bournemouth, despite their valiant efforts, ultimately fell short against a City side that refused to give up. Their inability to maintain pressure in the second half exposed their limitations, allowing City to seize control of the game. Guardiola praised his team’s resolve, noting that their fighting spirit had been evident throughout the match.
As Manchester City celebrates their FA Cup semi-final berth, they must now turn their attention to salvaging their Premier League campaign. With only nine games remaining, the pressure is mounting on Guardiola’s side to secure a top-four finish and qualify for next season’s Champions League. The club’s medical team will undoubtedly monitor Haaland’s injury closely, as his availability will be crucial in determining City’s fortunes in the coming weeks.
The victory over Bournemouth serves as a reminder of City’s ability to overcome adversity and achieve success even in challenging circumstances. While the road ahead remains steep, the defending champions have shown that they are capable of turning things around when it matters most.
