Manchester City stage comeback to defeat Bournemouth and secure FA Cup semifinal spot

Manchester City overcame an early deficit to secure a 2-1 victory against Bournemouth, thereby reaching an unprecedented seventh consecutive FA Cup semi-final and achieving their 15th straight away win in this tournament.

This competition represented perhaps City’s best chance to redeem a season that has been largely disappointing. After initially withstanding a vigorous start from the home team, Pep Guardiola’s squad began to pose a threat for the opening goal.

Erling Haaland missed a header from Matheus Nunes’ cross, and shortly thereafter, he was awarded a penalty to potentially break the stalemate. A handball by Tyler Adams provided this opportunity, but Haaland failed to convert as Kepa Arrizabalaga executed a remarkable save to his left.

Haaland wasted another significant opportunity when he lifted the ball over the bar after being set up for a one-on-one situation. These missed chances proved costly for City just before the midway point of the first half.

The visitors lost possession in their defensive third, allowing Bournemouth to counter swiftly. David Brooks delivered a cross from the right, which Justin Kluivert met at the back post. His weak shot was rolling towards the goal line when Evanilson ensured it crossed by scoring his second goal in as many matches against City.

Guardiola made a tactical change at halftime, bringing on Nico O’Reilly, who made an immediate impact by racing down the left flank and providing a square pass for Haaland, who tapped in the equalizer just four minutes after the restart.

City faced a setback when Haaland had to leave the match due to injury in the 60th minute; however, substitute Omar Marmoush quickly made an impact.

Just two minutes after entering the game, the Egyptian player helped the visitors equalize by scoring after O’Reilly had taken the ball from Antoine Semenyo.

Marmoush then had a header that was cleared off the line by Marcos Senesi as Andoni Iraola’s team fought to remain competitive. While they managed to recover, the Cherries found it difficult to push forward, and only the post prevented them from falling behind further when İlkay Gündoğan struck it.

In stoppage time, James McAtee was thwarted by Arrizabalaga, but Bournemouth's desperate defending could not be capitalized on by their offense, resulting in their failure to reach the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time.

With this being their 20th defeat in 22 encounters, their focus now shifts to securing a spot in European competition, while City prepares to face Nottingham Forest in the semi-final, aiming to rectify last year's final loss.