By Samuel A. March 30, 2025
Manchester City kept their trophy hopes for their disappointing 2024/25 season alive by coming from behind at the Vitality Stadium to beat Bournemouth and earn their ticket to Wembley. Evanilson’s initially got a goal in the 21st-minute after Matheus Nunes’ bad pass was intercepted and capitalized on by the Cherries. Seven minutes later Haaland had a penalty saved by Kepa Arrizabalaga and wasted another golden opportunity, as City struggled for rhythm amidst Bournemouth’s intensity.
However, Guardiola worked his magic at the break by sending on Nico O’Reilly for Abdukodir Khusanov, and four minutes into the second half the 20 year old created the equaliser with a perfect cross for Haaland to turn in at the far post.
The promising youngster then played Omar Marmoush, who came on for the injured Haaland through, and the Egypt attacker’s strike crept under Kepa who should have done better. Guardiola had insisted that even an FA Cup win would not salvage a season that has been mediocre by the standards of the side that had gotten off a historic four successive Premier League titles, however, there would be no denial that the City manager would like to win this trophy to add to his haul and avoid ending a campaign without silverware. The match highlighted City’s flaws and strengths, but the habit of winning trophies is one that will die hard for Guardiola and his players.
The club would now face Nottingham Forest in the semis of the competition, and Aston Villa would face Crystal Palace for a place in the final of the competition.
