Man City scraped past Plymouth with a 2-1 win in the FA Cup (Image: Getty)
came from a goal down to beat giantkillers 3-1 and book their place in the quarter-finals. ‘s men dominated the first half with 85 per cent possession at one stage, but they failed to make their flurry of corners count as Ilkay Gundogan hit the post. Plymouth did, however, as Matthew Sorinola’s delivery found the rising centre-back Maksym Talovierov and the Ukrainian’s glancing header flew into the far corner.
The hosts got their deserved equaliser seconds before the half-time whistle when Nico O’Reilly headed home from a cross. And the same pair combined again for the second goal on 76 minutes, this time from a corner, as O’Reilly sparked relieved celebrations from the home fans. Plymouth complained about an alleged push in the build-up to referee Craig Pawson, but the goal stood as City narrowly sealed their progress with a late De Bruyne goal.
Express Sport analyses the player ratings after Guardiola’s blushes were spared at the Etihad Stadium.
Stefan Ortega 6
Could’ve gone for a quick shopping trip in the first 35 miniutes as he faced zero shots on goal. Completely helpless when Talovierov placed his header in the far corner and had nothing else to do.
Rico Lewis 6
The teamsheet might’ve had him down as a right-back, but he attacked Plymouth’s goal more often than he defended his own. Squandered two fine opportunities in the second half to put his side in the lead.
Vitor Reis 6
It’s very easy to say in hindsight, but Plymouth’s corner would’ve never arrived had Reis not needlessly cleared the ball when Ortega was ready to make an easy claim. The Brazilian nearly made amends before half time only to head wide from close range.
Nathan Ake 6
The Dutchman was commended by the crowd for keeping his head cool when dealt with Plymouth’s target man Mustapha Bundu. Didn’t manage to stifle the Plymouth big boys in the box for the goal, though, and was taken off at the break.
Nico O’Reilly 8
The youngster initially struggled to make the same impact as Josko Gvardiol going forward and that was epitomised by Phil Foden gesturing in his direction after a poor cross. But his response was admirable, aiming his powerful header goalwards to get his side level earning applause from Guardiola. Came up trumps again with another header to get his second of the night.
Nico O’Reilly brought Man City level with a powerful header (Image: Getty)
Ilkay Gundogan 7
The midfielder had the best chances to put City in front, heading straight at Conor Hazard before his first-time effort bounced back off the woodwork on the half-hour mark. Posed a real danger in the chances he created and had for himself.
Bernardo Silva 6
The Portuguese playmaker was benched in recent weeks, but he took his opportunity to win back his place – buzzing around pockets of space outside the Plymouth area and working tirelessly to win back possession. Had a great chance to make it 2-1 but somehow skewed it wide from two yards.
8 (MAN OF THE MATCH)
The 33-year-old is by no means the most athletic player on the pitch anymore, but his class remains. He forced Hazard into making a fine fingertip save to deny him an equaliser, but his free-kick delivery for O’Reilly’s leveller was inch-perfect. Came close to catching out Hazard with a speculative effort, which merited a goal. Finally got his just desserts with a late third.
Kevin de Bruyne showed his class to help Man City overturn the deficit (Image: Getty)
James McAtee 6
Looked bright in the early stages and was denied what would’ve been a certain goal by a last-ditch challenge from Julio Pleguezuelo. He also won the free-kick that led to City’s crucial goal, and the 22-year-old’s efforts were recognised with a warm ovation from the fans when he came off before the hour mark.
Phil Foden 6
Playing through the middle in a false nine role, Foden was the link man as City tried to break down a stubborn Plymouth defence. Nearly put the hosts in front from a clever set-piece routine but his effort spun wide. Looked far happier in a deeper role when Haaland came on but not the best performance of his career. Assisted O’Reilly’s second from the corner before getting a rest late on.
Jack Grealish 6
The winger hugged the touchline and found a decent match in Matthew Sorinola, who dealt with most of what he threw at him. Appeared eager to impress after spending some time out of the first team and improved markedly in the second half, where he posed a genuine threat.
Erling Haaland squandered his best chance of the game (Image: Getty)
Substitutes
Ruben Dias (on 46′) 6
Calm and collected at the back, the centre-back didn’t put a foot wrong as many would expect.
(on 59′) 7
His first touch after coming on should’ve resulted in a goal, but the Norwegian blazed over. Didn’t have much luck in front of goal, but provided a rare assist for De Bruyne.
Nico Gonzalez (on 83′) N/A
Unused: Ederson, Marmoush, Doku, Gvardiol, Savinho, Nunes.