Marmoush Scores Twice to Propel Man City to FA Cup Semifinals in 2-1 Victory at Bournemouth
Striker Omar Marmoush scored the decisive goal as Manchester City came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory over Bournemouth on Sunday, clinching their place in the FA Cup semifinals. Erling Haaland had an early penalty saved but later netted...
TroibNews 
Striker Omar Marmoush scored the decisive goal as Manchester City came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory over Bournemouth on Sunday, clinching their place in the FA Cup semifinals. Erling Haaland had an early penalty saved but later netted the equalizer.
Haaland struggled during the match and ultimately had to be substituted due to an ankle injury. However, it was Pep Guardiola's substitutes who played a crucial role in the comeback, particularly Nico O'Reilly, who stepped in at left back and shifted the game's dynamic before Marmoush—who came on for the injured Haaland—scored the winner.
Haaland's performance started with a missed header and a handed golden opportunity to score in the 14th minute when Bournemouth's Tyler Adams was penalized for a handball in the box. Unfortunately for City, Haaland's penalty was poor, and Kepa Arrizabalaga made a smart save diving to his left.
The Bournemouth goalkeeper stood out during the first half, aided by Haaland's inconsistent shooting, as the striker lifted a chip shot over the bar just moments after his missed penalty.
Bournemouth, executing a high-energy pressing strategy, took the lead seven minutes later. They recovered the ball in City’s half, and striker Evanilson was there to push it over the line from close range.
Following halftime, Guardiola introduced 20-year-old O'Reilly, who quickly set up a chance for Haaland. O'Reilly played the ball across the goal, allowing Haaland to score at the far post in the 49th minute.
Unfortunately for City, shortly after this goal, Haaland sustained his injury, effectively sidelining him for the match. Nevertheless, Marmoush stepped up, slotting the ball in just two minutes after entering the game to secure City's progression to the semifinals, where they will face Nottingham Forest on the weekend of April 26-27.
Guardiola confirmed that O'Reilly, who assisted both goals, would definitely feature in the semifinal. The young midfielder expressed his delight in contributing to the team's success despite playing out of position.
"I am just trying my hardest every game, and trying to help the team out as much as I can, and I'm glad I've been able to do that so far. He was just telling me to run in behind, try and get high, come inside when the winger goes outside, and I was just trying to do that," O'Reilly said.
Aarav Patel for TROIB News
Haaland struggled during the match and ultimately had to be substituted due to an ankle injury. However, it was Pep Guardiola's substitutes who played a crucial role in the comeback, particularly Nico O'Reilly, who stepped in at left back and shifted the game's dynamic before Marmoush—who came on for the injured Haaland—scored the winner.
Haaland's performance started with a missed header and a handed golden opportunity to score in the 14th minute when Bournemouth's Tyler Adams was penalized for a handball in the box. Unfortunately for City, Haaland's penalty was poor, and Kepa Arrizabalaga made a smart save diving to his left.
The Bournemouth goalkeeper stood out during the first half, aided by Haaland's inconsistent shooting, as the striker lifted a chip shot over the bar just moments after his missed penalty.
Bournemouth, executing a high-energy pressing strategy, took the lead seven minutes later. They recovered the ball in City’s half, and striker Evanilson was there to push it over the line from close range.
Following halftime, Guardiola introduced 20-year-old O'Reilly, who quickly set up a chance for Haaland. O'Reilly played the ball across the goal, allowing Haaland to score at the far post in the 49th minute.
Unfortunately for City, shortly after this goal, Haaland sustained his injury, effectively sidelining him for the match. Nevertheless, Marmoush stepped up, slotting the ball in just two minutes after entering the game to secure City's progression to the semifinals, where they will face Nottingham Forest on the weekend of April 26-27.
Guardiola confirmed that O'Reilly, who assisted both goals, would definitely feature in the semifinal. The young midfielder expressed his delight in contributing to the team's success despite playing out of position.
"I am just trying my hardest every game, and trying to help the team out as much as I can, and I'm glad I've been able to do that so far. He was just telling me to run in behind, try and get high, come inside when the winger goes outside, and I was just trying to do that," O'Reilly said.
Aarav Patel for TROIB News
Interested in more international Sports news? Visit TROIB Sports
