Erling Haaland set a new record as Manchester City recorded a 2-1 win over Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium to book a place in the semi-finals of the 2024-25 FA Cup.
Guardiola’s men qualified for a record seventh consecutive FA Cup semi-final with a battling performance to overcome Bournemouth.
Erling Haaland was presented with an opportunity to give Man City an early lead from the penalty spot in the 14th minute after Adams handled the ball in the 18-yard box.
The Norwegian forward produced a weak effort that was comfortably saved by Bournemouth goalkeeper Kepa.
A few minutes later, Bournemouth broke the deadlock in the 21st minute courtesy of a scrambled finish by Evanilson.
The hosts held on to the lead going into the break before the visitors turned the match around in the second half.
Four minutes after the restart, Haaland restored parity for Manchester City with a close-range finish to make it 1-1.
Erling Haaland is now the first player to score 30+ goals in all competitions in each of his first three seasons while playing for Premier League clubs since Ruud van Nistelrooy for Manchester United from 2001-02 to 2003-04.
Omar Marmoush scored the winner in the 63rd minute after Kepa Arrizabalaga fumbled in his tame effort into the net.
Man City held on to secure a record-setting victory to book a place in the last four of the competition at Wembley.
They have qualified for the FA Cup semi-finals for the 20th time in their history, with eight of those 20 having been achieved under Pep Guardiola. This is the most by any side since the Spaniard took charge of the club in 2016.
Man City will battle it out with Nottingham Forest in the semi-final on April 26.
Aston Villa recorded a 3-0 victory over Preston to book a semi-final clash against Crystal Palace on April 27.
Haaland has now scored 38 goals and recorded five assists in all competitions for Manchester City this season.
The Norwegian forward has now scored 120 goals and recorded 19 assists in 138 matches for Manchester City.
The FA Cup remains the only hope of silverware for Pep Guardiola’s team following their poor performances this season.
The Spanish manager was full of praise for his players for qualifying for a seventh consecutive semi-final in the competition.
Guardiola said: “Seven times in a row, reaching semi-finals in the FA Cup.
“I am sorry to tell you, but this is outstanding. This generation of players has done this.
“To come here one of the toughest away places to come.
“After the impact from Nico [O’Reilly] was really good, but not just him – really pleased that we reached the semi-final again.
“Comparing the game we played in November, we came here with flip-flops; we came here for the holiday against a team that competes.
“Today, we were a team, and we challenged. In football, you have to run.
“We love the FA Cup. Hopefully, we can reach the final.”
Ilkay Gundogan admitted that the motivation to win their only trophy of the season was the reason behind their battling display in the second half.
He said, “I think the motivation that this is the only hope of us winning something [pulled us through]. The team played a really good game, a really aggressive game – we are really happy today.”
“O’Reilly was unbelievable. Against Plymouth, he showed the impact he can have on the game, and the energy he brought today changed the game. That’s what we need.”
“It’s another tough draw for us. It’s the semi-finals, and we will be playing at Wembley. We are very happy.”
Man City are currently out of the Premier League top four; they failed to qualify for the Champions League round of 16.
Haaland Powers Man City Into 7th Consecutive FA Cup Semi-Final is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
Source: The Whistler
