Manchester City Stages Comeback to Defeat Bournemouth and Secure FA Cup Semi-Final Spot

Manchester City staged a comeback to secure a 2-1 victory over Bournemouth, marking their advancement to an impressive seventh consecutive FA Cup semi-final. This triumph also extended their unbeaten run to 15 away matches in this tournament.

This cup competition represents one of City’s last hopes to salvage a season that has been largely disappointing. After initially weathering a strong start from the home side, Pep Guardiola’s squad began to show signs of offensive intent.

Erling Haaland missed a header from Matheus Nunes’ delivery before the Norwegian was given the opportunity to take the lead from the penalty spot.

A handball by Tyler Adams provided the chance, but Haaland was unable to convert as Kepa Arrizabalaga pulled off an outstanding save, diving to his left.

Haaland squandered yet another glorious opportunity, chipping the ball over the bar after breaking through on goal. Those missed chances proved costly as the half approached its midpoint.

City lost possession deep in their own half, and Bournemouth capitalised quickly, with David Brooks’ cross from the right finding Justin Kluivert at the back post. His weak shot was rolling towards the goal before Evanilson ensured it crossed the line, netting his second goal in as many matches against the visitors.

Guardiola made a tactical switch at half-time, introducing Nico O’Reilly. The academy product made an immediate impact, racing down the left flank and assisting Haaland, who turned in the equaliser just four minutes after the break.

A setback for City came when Haaland was forced off with an injury just past the hour mark, but substitute Omar Marmoush quickly made his mark.

Within two minutes of entering the fray, the Egyptian completed the turnaround, scoring after O’Reilly had dispossessed Antoine Semenyo.

Marmoush nearly doubled the lead, seeing his header cleared off the line by Marcos Senesi as Andoni Iraola’s team scrambled to recover. Although they managed to regroup, Bournemouth struggled to create chances, and only the goalpost prevented City from extending their lead when İlkay Gündoğan struck the woodwork.

James McAtee was thwarted by Arrizabalaga during stoppage time, but Bournemouth’s last-minute defending could not lead to any offensive surge, preventing them from reaching their first FA Cup semi-final.

A 20th defeat in 22 encounters means Bournemouth must now focus on their aspirations for European qualification, while City prepares to face Nottingham Forest in the semi-final as they seek to avenge their defeat in last year’s final.