Kevin De Bruyne was instrumental throughout the match.
Image credit: Manchester City
Manchester City booked their place in the FA Cup quarter-finals with a 3-1 victory over Plymouth Argyle at the Etihad Stadium.
But the Premier League giants had to dig deep against their Championship opponents, who stunned the home crowd with an early lead.
Plymouth Stun the Etihad
Against all odds, Plymouth Argyle, who defeated Liverpool in the fourth round, looked set to repeat history when Ukrainian defender Maksym Talovierov rose highest to head home a corner in the 38th minute.
The visitors had barely troubled City’s goal before that moment, but their disciplined defensive display and well-timed set piece execution put them ahead in dramatic fashion.
O’Reilly’s Breakthrough Moment
With a rotated squad, City lacked their usual fluency, but teenager Nico O’Reilly stepped up when it mattered most.
Just before halftime, the 18-year-old academy product nodded in a Kevin De Bruyne free-kick to bring City level, shifting the momentum back in the hosts’ favor.
Dominance Rewarded
City dominated possession, registering a staggering 29 shots to Plymouth’s lone attempt.
However, it took until the 75th minute for Pep Guardiola’s men to finally edge ahead. Once again, it was O’Reilly who delivered—this time, meeting a corner with another well-placed header to put City in front.
Kevin De Bruyne, who had been instrumental throughout the match, then sealed the win in stoppage time.
The Belgian maestro latched onto a clever pass from Erling Haaland and coolly slotted home, ensuring City’s passage to the next round.
Guardiola’s Praise and Aké’s Concern
Speaking after the game, Guardiola acknowledged Plymouth’s resilience, stating, “They defended well and made it difficult for us, but I’m happy with how we responded.”
He also reserved special praise for O’Reilly, whose two-goal performance highlighted the club’s continued commitment to nurturing young talent.
However, City’s night wasn’t without concerns. Defender Nathan Aké was forced off at halftime with an injury, adding to Guardiola’s defensive headaches ahead of a crucial run of fixtures.
Conclusion
Despite a nervy first half, City’s quality eventually shone through, and their FA Cup journey continues.
For Plymouth, it was a valiant effort that showcased their fighting spirit, but in the end, City’s firepower proved too much.
With a place in the quarter-finals secured, all eyes now turn to City’s next challenge as they continue their pursuit of silverware on multiple fronts.