Manchester City triumphed over Bournemouth with a 2-1 victory, earning them a place in the FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest.
Omar Marmoush entered the game as a substitute for the injured Erling Haaland and swiftly made his mark, scoring the winning goal just three minutes after coming onto the pitch.
Earlier in the day, Aston Villa secured their semi-final spot with a dominant 3-0 win against Preston.
The FA Cup semi-final draw, conducted before the match, revealed that Man City will face Nottingham Forest, while Aston Villa is set to clash with Crystal Palace in a highly anticipated double-header at Wembley.
Match Details
- Bournemouth team: Kepa, Soler, Senesi, Zabarnyi, Cook, Adams, Christie, Semenyo, Kluivert, Brooks, Evanilson
- Man City team: Ederson, Nunes, Khusanov, Dias, Gvardiol, Gundogan, Kovacic, De Bruyne, Bernardo, Foden, Haaland
Live Match Updates
FA Cup Semi-final Draw
Wembley Stadium will host both semi-final matches, determining who will compete in this season`s final.
The semi-final pairings are:
Nottingham Forest vs Man City
Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa
Anticipation is high for more thrilling football as these teams battle for a place in the final.
Cherries Manager Reflects on the Game
Speaking to ITV Sport, Bournemouth`s manager, Iraola, shared his thoughts on the match and the goal that slipped past Kepa.
Guardiola Protects Young Player
It was clear in the first half that new signing Khusanov was struggling with Bournemouth`s fast-paced attack.
Consequently, Guardiola substituted him at halftime, adjusting the team`s formation.
Khusanov, a young player still developing, is under excellent mentorship and will undoubtedly work on improving his weaknesses since joining the team.
De Bruyne Leads City`s Charge
Despite speculation about his future at Man City, Kevin De Bruyne demonstrated his value on the pitch.
The experienced midfielder orchestrated plays and found space across the field.
His leadership was evident as he guided younger players throughout the match.
His departure would be a significant loss for the team.
Manager`s Reaction to Victory
In an interview with ITV Sport, Pep Guardiola shared his perspective on the victory against Bournemouth.
Kepa Arrizabalaga`s Performance Under Scrutiny
Kepa Arrizabalaga initially set a positive tone for Bournemouth by saving Erling Haaland`s penalty.
Bournemouth capitalized on this momentum, taking the lead in the match.
Despite several crucial saves, Kepa`s inconsistency was again highlighted.
Marmoush`s winning goal, which slipped under Kepa, raises questions about his reliability.
This performance might influence Iraola`s decision regarding signing the Chelsea goalkeeper permanently.
City Still in Contention for Silverware
It has been an unusual season for Pep Guardiola and Manchester City.
Having exited European competitions and fallen behind in the title race, the FA Cup is now their primary focus for silverware.
While securing a top-four finish for Champions League qualification remains a target, they can now also anticipate a return to Wembley.
O`Reilly`s Impact from Left-Back
Nico O`Reilly, playing out of position at left-back, delivered a standout performance for Man City in the second half.
His attacking contribution was particularly impressive.
He was instrumental in Haaland`s equalizing goal and provided the assist for Marmoush`s winner.
O`Reilly was arguably the man of the match.
FT: Bournemouth 1-2 Man City
Pep Guardiola`s tactical changes proved decisive in this match.
His adjustments at halftime significantly altered the game`s dynamic.
In a traditionally challenging away fixture, Man City secured their passage to the FA Cup semi-finals.
FT: Bournemouth 1-2 Man City
The final whistle blows.
Manchester City are heading to Wembley.
Their next FA Cup challenge is against Nottingham Forest.
Bournemouth 1-2 Man City
90+6. McAtee receives a yellow card for a foul on Jebbison.
Bournemouth gets a late opportunity to push forward.
However, Gvardiol effectively clears the ball from their attack.
Bournemouth 1-2 Man City
90+4. Crucial save by Kepa denies McAtee from close range, keeping Bournemouth in the game.
Bournemouth 1-2 Man City
90+2. Marmoush nearly breaks through again but loses control of the ball.
Bournemouth regains possession.
Bournemouth 1-2 Man City
90. Unless there`s a significant shift, Man City is heading towards a semi-final clash with Forest.
City controls possession and tempo, aiming to run down the clock.
Bournemouth`s frustration grows, and Grealish is fouled.
Seven minutes of added time are announced.
Bournemouth 1-2 Man City
88. This match is defined by two contrasting halves.
Bournemouth dominated the first half, appearing likely to extend their lead.
However, Man City has taken over since halftime, leaving Bournemouth struggling.
Bournemouth 1-2 Man City
86. Nunes receives a yellow card for time-wasting.
Bournemouth switches to a direct approach, urgently seeking an equalizer.
Bournemouth 1-2 Man City
84. De Bruyne skillfully dispossesses Adams.
Bournemouth`s counter-attack is thwarted, and they are pushed back into their own half.
City maintains control, keeping the ball away from dangerous areas.
Bournemouth 1-2 Man City
82. Grealish`s impressive run at the defense sets up Gundogan for a shot.
Gundogan`s effort unfortunately hits the post.
Bournemouth 1-2 Man City
80. Marmoush breaks free and faces Zabarnyi one-on-one.
He attempts a pass to Gundogan, who quickly returns it.
Marmoush tries a fancy flick, but it fails to materialize.
Bournemouth 1-2 Man City
78. City could use Rodri`s presence in midfield at this stage.
Gonzalez might be introduced soon to solidify their lead.
Their current focus is to manage the game to victory.
Bournemouth 1-2 Man City
76. Semenyo tries to dispossess Gundogan and launch an attack.
Gundogan goes down, and a free-kick is awarded to City.
Kluivert is then booked for a foul on Nunes on the opposite side.
Bournemouth 1-2 Man City
74. Grealish attempts to outmaneuver his marker but is contained.
The City winger appears to have gained some weight, possibly enjoying the international break.
