Teenager O’Reilly inspires Man City comeback in FA Cup win over Bournemouth | OneFootball

Manchester City are not used to calling a season underwhelming, but this one has been by their usual standards.

Their Premier League dominance has faded, their Champions League hopes have been extinguished, and their usual aura of inevitability has wavered.

However, a 2-1 comeback win over Bournemouth sent them into the FA Cup semi-finals, where Nottingham Forest await.

It was a game that encapsulated their struggles – wastefulness in attack, shaky moments in possession and a need for late inspiration. But in the end, City found a way.

Erling Braut Haaland endured a frustrating afternoon, missing several chances, including a penalty, before finally finding the net.

His equaliser came from a pinpoint cross by academy graduate Nico O’Reilly, who was thrown on at half-time and completely changed the game.

O’Reilly was not just a surprise inclusion – he was the catalyst. The youngster’s confidence on the ball gave City the control they had lacked in the first half.

His composure under pressure and ability to pick the right pass stood out in a team that had been uncharacteristically sloppy before the break.

Bournemouth had every reason to believe this could be their moment. Evanilson’s scrappy opener put them ahead, and they made City look uncomfortable.

Kepa Arrizabalaga’s penalty save from Haaland only fuelled the belief that an FA Cup semi-final was within reach.

But City are rarely beaten by moments of adversity. They responded with patience and control, wearing Bournemouth down before striking twice.

Haaland’s afternoon ended early after an injury. His replacement, Omar Marmoush, ensured City did not miss him.

The forward needed just minutes to make an impact, latching onto another O’Reilly pass and sweeping the ball past Kepa.

The hosts had no response. City controlled the remainder of the game, coming close to a third through Marmoush, Ilkay Gundogan and James McAtee.

Bournemouth had given everything, but the gap in quality was evident in the second half.

The FA Cup may not have been City’s priority, but now it represents their best chance at adding silverware to a season that has lacked its usual dominance.