Nico O’Reilly emerged as Manchester City’s unlikely hero with a brace, sparking a 3-1 comeback victory over Plymouth in the FA Cup fifth round on Saturday at the Etihad Stadium.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Plymouth, who had already caused major upsets by beating Liverpool and Brentford in the previous rounds, were on the verge of pulling off another giant-killing when Maksym Talovierov gave the Championship side a surprising first-half lead. City, who are enduring a difficult season sitting fourth in the Premier League and already eliminated from the Champions League and League Cup, found themselves in a dangerous position.
However, 19-year-old O’Reilly, making just his sixth start for City, leveled the score just before halftime with a glancing header from a Kevin De Bruyne free-kick. O’Reilly then scored again in the 76th minute, heading home from a corner in a controversial moment where he appeared to push Plymouth’s Jordan Houghton before finding the back of the net.
City were fortunate to have escaped an early exit as Plymouth’s defensive strategy frustrated Pep Guardiola’s side. Despite dominating possession, City struggled to break down the visitors, who were resolute at the back. Ilkay Gundogan came close with a shot against the post, and Conor Hazard made key saves to keep City at bay.
Plymouth’s breakthrough came in the 38th minute when Talovierov powered a header into the far corner from a corner kick, leaving City reeling. The visitors almost doubled their advantage when Vitor Reis’ header missed by inches and Hazard made a fine save to deny De Bruyne’s low drive.
Guardiola introduced Erling Haaland in the second half, and although the striker had multiple chances, Hazard continued to perform heroically in goal. Haaland’s close-range shot was saved brilliantly by the Plymouth goalkeeper, but O’Reilly’s second goal eventually broke the deadlock.
In stoppage time, Haaland’s attempt was once again denied by Hazard, but De Bruyne was on hand to seal the win, ensuring City progressed to the quarter-finals.
Despite a shaky performance, Manchester City managed to avoid a potential humiliation, with O’Reilly’s vital contribution keeping their hopes of FA Cup glory alive in what has been a tumultuous season. The win means Guardiola’s side are through to the quarter-finals as they aim to capture the FA Cup for the third time in his reign.
