Manchester City secured their place in the FA Cup semi-finals after coming from behind to defeat Bournemouth 2-1, ensuring a date with Nottingham Forest at Wembley Stadium next month. This victory continued a remarkable streak of FA Cup semi-final appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side, who have now reached the final four of the competition in seven consecutive seasons. Despite a challenging first half, Guardiola’s tactical brilliance and timely substitutions proved to be the difference in a thrilling encounter at the Vitality Stadium
The match began with high expectations for City, who were keen to avenge their earlier loss to Bournemouth in the Premier League this season. However, the opening 45 minutes were not as straightforward as many had anticipated. Despite dominating possession and dictating the tempo of the game, City failed to capitalize on their early opportunities, with star striker Erling Haaland guilty of squandering two chances to give his side the lead.
The first of these came in the 13th minute when City were awarded a penalty after Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams was adjudged to have handled a flicked ball from Bernardo Silva inside the penalty area. Haaland, known for his clinical finishing, stepped up to take the penalty. However, Kepa Arrizabalaga, the Bournemouth goalkeeper, guessed correctly and dived to his left, making a strong save to keep the score level. Haaland’s shot, while powerful, lacked the precision to find the corner of the net, giving Kepa the opportunity to make the save.
Just minutes later, Haaland was presented with another chance to break the deadlock. A long ball over the top found the Norwegian striker, who raced into the penalty area and attempted a deft dink over Kepa, who had come off his line to challenge. However, Haaland’s effort sailed narrowly over the crossbar and onto the roof of the net, leaving City frustrated and Bournemouth buoyed by their good fortune.
As is often the case in football, missed opportunities at one end can result in goals at the other, and that’s exactly what happened. Bournemouth, who had barely threatened in the opening stages, took a surprise lead in the 28th minute. The goal came following a mistake from City midfielder Matheus Nunes, who played a poor cross-field pass that was intercepted. David Brooks capitalized on the error and swung in a dangerous cross. Justin Kluivert, in an attempt to turn the ball towards goal, made a slight touch, which fell kindly to Evanilson, who bundled the ball over the line from close range to give Bournemouth a 1-0 advantage.
At this point, it seemed as though history might repeat itself for Manchester City, who had been beaten by Bournemouth in their previous trip to the Vitality Stadium in the Premier League earlier in the season. Guardiola’s side, despite controlling possession, were struggling to break down Bournemouth’s defense, and the first half ended with City trailing 1-0
The second half began with Guardiola clearly looking to change things up and inject new life into his team. The Spanish manager made an immediate substitution at the start of the second half, bringing on young midfielder Nico O’Reilly for Abdukodir Khusanov. The change would prove to be inspired, as O’Reilly’s direct running and creativity added a new dimension to City’s attacking play.
City’s equalizer came just five minutes into the second half, a direct result of Guardiola’s tactical intervention. O’Reilly, who had been lively since his introduction, found space on the left flank and delivered an inch-perfect cross for Haaland, who had drifted to the far post. Haaland, ever the clinical predator, slid in to meet the ball and tapped it past Kepa to score his 30th goal of the season across all competitions. The Norwegian’s finish was composed, and it was just the confidence boost that City needed after a difficult first half.
Despite the equalizer, City continued to face challenges, with Haaland unable to add to his tally after he limped off the pitch in the 60th minute due to an injury. His replacement, Omar Marmoush, would prove to be just as effective, scoring a vital second goal for City just moments after his introduction.
The goal came in the 63rd minute when O’Reilly, involved again in the build-up, played a neat through ball into Marmoush’s path. The Egyptian forward found himself one-on-one with Kepa and, despite the goalkeeper getting a hand to the shot, the ball somehow squirmed through his grasp and trickled into the back of the net. It was a slightly fortunate goal, but Marmoush’s composure in the final third proved crucial, giving City a 2-1 lead and one they would not relinquish.
With the lead in their grasp, City began to assert more control over the match, nullifying Bournemouth’s attacking threats and dominating possession. The Cherries, though determined to find an equalizer, were unable to break down City’s defense, and the introduction of fresh legs from Guardiola’s side ensured that the balance of power shifted firmly in favor of the visitors.
City came close to extending their lead when Ilkay Gundogan, another second-half substitute, struck the post with a powerful shot from the edge of the area. The rebound fell to James McAtee, who attempted to score from close range, only to be denied by a sharp save from Kepa. Despite these near-misses, City remained in control and comfortably saw out the remainder of the match.
As the final whistle blew, Manchester City had secured their place in the FA Cup semi-finals, booking a date with Nottingham Forest at Wembley Stadium. For Guardiola and his players, this victory represented another step towards a potential third consecutive FA Cup final appearance, an achievement that would further cement their dominance in English football.
This win marked an important milestone for Manchester City, as it extended their streak of consecutive FA Cup semi-final appearances to an impressive seven seasons. Guardiola’s ability to rotate his squad and make timely substitutions in matches like these has been a key factor in their sustained success in domestic competitions. While City were far from their best in the first half, their resilience and tactical adjustments in the second period were a testament to Guardiola’s management and the quality of his squad.
For Bournemouth, the defeat was a disappointment, but they can hold their heads high after a brave performance against one of the best teams in Europe. Despite the loss, the Cherries showed moments of quality, particularly in their opening goal, and will look to build on this performance as they focus on their Premier League survival.
Manchester City’s focus will now shift to their FA Cup semi-final clash with Nottingham Forest, where they will aim to continue their pursuit of a third consecutive final appearance. The match at Wembley will undoubtedly be another tough test for Guardiola’s men, but with their attacking firepower and strong squad depth, they will go into the tie as clear favorites.
The challenge for Guardiola and City is to maintain their intensity and not be complacent. Forest will provide a different kind of challenge, with their own aspirations of causing an upset at one of the most prestigious stadiums in English football. But if this comeback victory against Bournemouth is anything to go by, City’s determination and quality could see them progress to yet another FA Cup final and continue their pursuit of domestic glory
In the end, it was a tale of two halves for Manchester City. The first half saw them waste several opportunities and fall behind to a well-worked Bournemouth goal. However, Guardiola’s tactical adjustments in the second half, including key substitutions and renewed attacking intent, saw them turn the game around and secure a 2-1 victory. Haaland and Marmoush were the heroes, but it was the collective effort of the entire squad that ensured City’s progression to yet another FA Cup semi-final. As they look ahead to their Wembley date with Nottingham Forest, City will know that the path to a third consecutive FA Cup final is still very much within their reach.
