Manchester City’s tenacity and depth were on full display as they secured a hard-fought 2-1 win over Bournemouth in the FA Cup quarter-finals. Despite an early scare from the Cherries, Pep Guardiola’s men turned the game around in the second half thanks to goals from Erling Haaland and Omar Marmoush. The victory sends City through to a record seventh consecutive FA Cup semi-final, where they will face Nottingham Forest.
Game changer 💥 pic.twitter.com/lJ3e9bx2U4
— Manchester City (@ManCity) March 30, 2025
Manchester City vs Bournemouth Key Match Statistics
| Statistic | Bournemouth | Man City |
|---|---|---|
| Possession (%) | 29% | 71% |
| Shots (on target) | 4 (1) | 18 (6) |
| Pass Accuracy | 79% | 91% |
| Fouls | 12 | 7 |
| Corners | 2 | 9 |
Bournemouth Take Early Advantage
The game opened with high energy from both sides, but it was Bournemouth who struck first. City’s midfielder Matheus Nunes made a costly error in the 21st minute, misplacing a pass deep in his own half. Justin Kluivert pounced on the loose ball and found Evanilson, who calmly slotted it past Ederson to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.
The atmosphere at the Vitality Stadium was electric as Bournemouth sensed a major upset. Manchester City had a chance to respond almost immediately when Erling Haaland won a penalty, but his spot-kick was brilliantly saved by Kepa Arrizabalaga, keeping the Cherries ahead.
Guardiola’s Halftime Adjustments Prove Pivotal
Trailing 1-0 at the break, Pep Guardiola made a bold tactical switch, introducing youngster Nico O’Reilly to inject creativity into midfield. The move paid off instantly. Just four minutes into the second half, O’Reilly delivered a precise cross into the box, which Haaland met with a powerful header to level the match at 1-1.
However, City’s joy was short-lived. Moments after scoring, Haaland appeared to twist his ankle in a collision and had to be substituted. In came Omar Marmoush, and the Egyptian forward wasted no time making his mark.
Marmoush Nets the Winner with Clinical Finish
Barely two minutes after coming on, Marmoush found space on the edge of the box, received a pass from Bernardo Silva, and unleashed a low-driven shot. The ball skipped off the turf and slid under the hands of Kepa, who had a difficult afternoon. The goal turned the tie completely on its head, giving City the lead for the first time.
From that point on, Manchester City exerted total control, dictating tempo and starving Bournemouth of possession. The Cherries failed to record a single shot in the second half, testament to the visitors’ dominance and discipline.
City’s Depth and Composure Shine Through
Despite the setback of losing their star striker, Manchester City demonstrated why they are among Europe’s elite. The midfield trio of Rodri, De Bruyne, and O’Reilly marshaled play effectively, while defenders Rúben Dias and Manuel Akanji neutralized Bournemouth’s counterattacks.
City completed over 70% possession and had 18 total attempts on goal. Kepa, despite the blunder, made several important stops to keep the scoreline respectable for the home side.
Bournemouth’s Bright Start Ends in Frustration
Bournemouth will rue their missed opportunity after a strong first half. While their pressing game and sharp transitions initially rattled City, they struggled to cope with the visitors’ technical superiority in the second half. The loss extends Bournemouth’s winless streak to six matches in all competitions—a concern for manager Andoni Iraola.
That said, there were bright spots. Justin Kluivert showed excellent vision and energy, while Evanilson’s goal was a deserved reward for his movement and positioning.
What’s Next for Manchester City?
With this win, Manchester City advance to the FA Cup semi-finals, where they will meet Nottingham Forest. Guardiola will be hopeful that Haaland’s injury is not serious, especially with crucial fixtures ahead in the Premier League and Champions League.
City fans will be buoyed by the impact of young talents like O’Reilly and Marmoush, proving that the team has the squad depth to challenge on multiple fronts.
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💬 @PepTeam described reaching a seventh consecutive FA Cup semi-final as an “incredible achievement” 🙌
— Manchester City (@ManCity) March 30, 2025
The boss' reaction 👇
Conclusion
Manchester City’s comeback was a testament to their resilience, squad depth, and tactical versatility. Bournemouth gave them a scare, but City’s second-half dominance reminded everyone why they remain one of the favourites in every competition they enter.
As the FA Cup journey continues, the looming semi-final against Nottingham Forest presents another hurdle. But if City continue to perform with this level of maturity and flexibility, a domestic double could well be on the cards.
