Teenager O’Reilly sparks Man City comeback against Plymouth

Manchester City avoided an FA Cup shock as 19-year-old Nico O’Reilly scored twice in a 3-1 comeback win over giant-killers Plymouth in the fifth round on Saturday.

Plymouth, sitting in the Championship relegation zone, had already stunned Liverpool and Brentford in earlier rounds. Their cup run looked set for another famous upset when Maksym Talovierov headed them into a first-half lead at the Etihad Stadium.

However, O’Reilly equalized just before halftime before adding a controversial second, while Kevin De Bruyne sealed the win in stoppage time.

“Big compliments to Plymouth for making our job so difficult. They were incredibly organized,” said City boss Pep Guardiola.

City, last season’s runners-up, are through to the quarter-finals as they chase a third FA Cup title under Guardiola.

Plymouth take shock lead

Despite Guardiola making 11 changes from Wednesday’s league win over Tottenham, City dominated possession but struggled to break down Plymouth’s deep defense.

Phil Foden and Ilkay Gundogan both came close before Talovierov rose above the City defense in the 38th minute, powering a header past Stefan Ortega from a corner.

City hit back

Plymouth nearly doubled their lead, but O’Reilly gave City a lifeline on the stroke of halftime, glancing in De Bruyne’s free-kick.

Guardiola introduced Erling Haaland in the second half, but Plymouth goalkeeper Conor Hazard made a string of fine saves.

City finally went ahead in the 76th minute, though O’Reilly appeared to push Jordan Houghton before heading in his second.

De Bruyne wrapped up the win deep into stoppage time, finishing from close range after another Hazard save.

City now turn their focus to the quarter-finals, hoping the FA Cup can salvage a disappointing season where they sit fourth in the Premier League and have already exited the Champions League and League Cup.

(Source: AFP)