After Erling Haaland had squandered a first half penalty and AFC Bournemouth raced into a one goal lead courtesy of star striker Evanilson, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City looked set for a demoralising FA Cup exit.
But, a terrific second half turnaround saw the Citizens eventually run out as a determined 2-1 victors to soar into the semi-finals, with the aforementioned Nordic centre-forward atoning for his spot-kick howler by levelling up proceedings in the South Coast sunshine.
The lethal City number nine wasn’t the only striker to get in the on the goalscoring act, as the winning goal of the afternoon would fall to new recruit Omar Marmoush a matter of minutes after he came on in place of Haaland.
Marmoush's performance in numbers
Marmoush has been an instant success donning his new colours, with the ex-Eintracht Frankfurt forward already a reliable option Guardiola can throw into contests.
Indeed, the electric Egyptian has five goals next to his name from 11 City outings, with his goal contribution numbers for the season – which includes his whirlwind output in Germany – up to a staggering 40 goals and assists from 35 clashes.
Kepa Arrizabalaga could perhaps have done better with this effort, but the clinical City number seven wouldn’t have cared one bit when wheeling away in celebration, knowing his strike had sealed his side’s progression through to Wembley.
It really was a game where the substitutes stood out for the star-studded visitors, with 20-year-old sensation Nico O’Reilly arguably putting in the performance of the game when handed the full second half.
O'Reilly's performance in numbers
Everyone associated with the reigning Premier League champions knows that this summer could be one of immense change as some of the current declining crop move on from the Etihad.
Thankfully, stars such as O’Reilly are proving to the City faithful that the future can be bright with a next generation of talent coming through.
Minutes played
45
Goals scored
0
Assists
2
Touches
30
Accurate passes
10/15
Key passes
2
Big chances created
1
Total duels won
3/5
From just 30 touches of the ball, the promising City number 75 would wreak absolute havoc, with one dart forward early into the second half finished off by Haaland, before then teeing up Marmoush for 2-1.
Away from shining in an attacking capacity, O’Reilly also won his fair share of duels with three successfully won, on top of also winning two tackles to preserve his side’s slender advantage right until the full-time whistle was sounded.
Having picked up three goals in the FA Cup this season too away from his heroics against the Cherries, it now feels like a matter of time before the 20-year-old is regularly picked by Guardiola in the Premier League, with his versatility to play in a number of different roles potentially coming in handy.
The Manchester-born starlet has lined up as an attacking midfielder and striker primarily for the U23s, but the 9/10 performer – as was the post-match rating gifted to him by Manchester Evening News journalist Simon Bajkowski – has even lined up in the left-back spot in the senior set-up to date which more than proves his flexible nature.
With the future of Guardiola’s men very much a topic of conversation, O’Reilly’s time for more consistent first-team minutes must come very soon, especially if he can continue to change games in the same manner he did against Andoni Iraola’s stern hosts.
Indeed, although he did not start today’s game, he’s made himself undroppable heading into their midweek fixture. He simply has to be on the team sheet.
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