A narrow escape for City!
Image credit: Manchester City
Manchester City narrowly avoided an FA Cup fourth-round upset, coming from behind to defeat Leyton Orient 2-1 in a dramatic encounter at Brisbane Road.
The League One side stunned the Premier League giants with an early goal, but second-half strikes from Rico Lewis and Kevin De Bruyne ensured Pep Guardiola’s men advanced to the next round.
City started the game confidently, controlling possession as expected, but their defensive complacency was punished in the 16th minute.
Leyton Orient’s Jamie Donley caught City off guard with a spectacular 45-yard lob that struck the underside of the crossbar before bouncing off Stefan Ortega Moreno and into the net.
Man City have just conceded a halfway line goal to Leyton Orient 😭😭😭😭
— george (@StokeyyG2) February 8, 2025
pic.twitter.com/wOv7BKi7uW
Moments later, City suffered another setback when Nico González, their £50 million January signing from FC Porto, endured a nightmare debut.
The midfielder was forced off with a back injury in the 22nd minute following a collision, compounding City’s early struggles.
Despite their dominance in possession, Guardiola’s side failed to create clear-cut chances in the first half, with Leyton Orient defending resolutely to preserve their lead at the break.
City’s Quality Shines Through
City returned from halftime with renewed intensity, and their persistence paid off in the 56th minute.
Rico Lewis, who had been one of their brightest sparks, took a speculative shot from outside the box, which took a deflection and wrong-footed the Leyton Orient goalkeeper to bring City level.
The equalizer though was credited to Abdukodir Khusanov.
As the game progressed, Leyton Orient continued to threaten on the counterattack, but City’s defense remained composed.
Guardiola introduced Jack Grealish and Kevin De Bruyne, seeking a breakthrough, and the Belgian maestro delivered when it mattered most.
In the 78th minute, Grealish found De Bruyne with a well-weighted pass, and the midfielder made no mistake, coolly slotting home the winner past the diving goalkeeper.
City controlled the final stages of the match, ensuring no late heroics from Leyton Orient, and secured their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
What’s Next?
Manchester City will now shift focus to their crucial Champions League play-off clash against Real Madrid on Tuesday.
Leyton Orient exit the FA Cup, but their spirited performance will be remembered by their fans.
City survive and advance, but Guardiola knows his team must improve if they are to compete for silverware this season.