Manchester City’s season, which many might consider underwhelming, still holds potential for silverware after a 2-1 comeback victory over Bournemouth in the FA Cup quarterfinals this Sunday. The catalyst for City’s rally, Erling Haaland, found the net to draw level but left the match early due to an ankle injury.
Haaland, who initially had his penalty saved and returned momentarily before succumbing to injury, managed to score in the 49th minute. Shortly thereafter, a tackle in the 56th minute led to an unfortunate landing on his ankle, compelling him to exit the pitch just 12 minutes later.
The substitution, Omar Marmoush, proved pivotal as his entry saw him score the decisive goal. Marmoush wasted no time, taking advantage of an error from Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, assisted once more by Nico O’Reilly, ensuring Manchester City’s progression to the semifinals.
Manchester City’s journey in the league and continental tournaments has been far from stellar. Positioned fifth in the Premier League, trailing leaders Liverpool by 22 points, and eliminated from the Champions League, City sees the FA Cup as a chance for redemption. A win in this competition would mark the club’s eighth triumph and a third under manager Pep Guardiola’s leadership.
City’s path to the FA Cup final continues with a semifinal clash against Nottingham Forest at Wembley Stadium the following month. The same weekend will see a face-off between Aston Villa, who secured a convincing 3-0 win over Preston, and Crystal Palace.
Notably, Manchester City stands as the only club among the semifinalists with a trophy win in this century.
Haaland, despite the turbulent match at Vitality Stadium, played a crucial role. His attempt at a penalty was thwarted by Bournemouth’s Kepa Arrizabalaga. Not disheartened, Haaland converted a chance from O’Reilly’s cross from the far post to equalize. However, his involvement was cut short after an awkward clash with Bournemouth’s Lewis Cook led to a concerning ankle issue.
City coach Guardiola held back on predicting the severity of Haaland’s injury, pending further assessment.
In parallel, Marcus Rashford rose to the occasion for Aston Villa, scoring his debut goals for the club. Rashford, currently on loan from Manchester United, has found form again, even earning a spot in England’s squad for recent World Cup qualifying matches.
Rashford’s performance included scoring Villa’s first goal at Deepdale from a precise Lucas Digne cross and then converting a penalty after a foul on Morgan Rogers just five minutes later. Jacob Ramsey sealed the comprehensive 3-0 win in the 71st minute.
Upon securing Villa’s place in the FA Cup semifinals for the first time in eight years, Rashford expressed his satisfaction over his current form and fitness, enjoying his footballing stint at Villa.
Villa’s history with the FA Cup is long-standing yet dated; their last victory dates back to 1957, although they reached the finals in 2015, suffering a significant loss to Arsenal. For Preston, their appearance in the FA Cup last eight was a first since the 1965-66 season as the sole representative of the lower leagues.