Pep Guardiola’s Man City secured their FA Cup victory thanks to Nico O’Reilly’s timely goals, but not without a significant challenge.
With only 15 minutes remaining in their round of 16 match, Plymouth Argyle, a Championship team, was holding the score even, raising hopes of another major FA Cup shock following their previous victory over Liverpool.
However, Nico O’Reilly, a local young player among Man City’s stars, headed in his second goal, bringing relief to the home crowd at the Etihad Stadium.
Plymouth’s travelling fans were left disappointed as O’Reilly’s goals ended their hopes of a major upset.
Plymouth led against the Premier League champions for seven minutes, thanks to Maksym Talovierov’s memorable header.
But just before halftime, O’Reilly met a free kick from Kevin De Bruyne, leveling the score.
While Plymouth’s goalkeeper, Conor Hazard, showed moments of brilliance, including a save from De Bruyne, questions were raised about his attempt to stop O’Reilly’s equalizing goal.
Earlier, Ilkay Gundogan’s shot hit the post when the score was still 0-0, and Phil Foden’s shot was deflected wide by Talovierov.
City’s frustration grew, though Hazard had already demonstrated his capabilities in the previous round against Liverpool.
Plymouth’s unexpected victory over Liverpool in the previous round was a highlight for the club and fans.
Guardiola’s visible frustration on the sidelines showed how seriously he took the threat of another upset.
Despite Man City’s dominance in possession, Plymouth’s defense, particularly Maxi Talovierov and Nikola Katic, presented a formidable challenge.
Talovierov’s earlier goal came from a corner, highlighting Plymouth’s threat from set-pieces.
Despite their efforts to hold on, O’Reilly’s goals changed the game’s momentum.
Hazard made another crucial save from De Bruyne, and Rico Lewis came close with a volley, but City’s pressure was relentless.
To add more firepower, Guardiola brought on Erling Haaland, but even he initially struggled to break through Hazard’s resistance, who made an incredible double save against Haaland and Bernardo Silva.
However, shortly after, O’Reilly scored again from a corner, breaking Plymouth’s resistance.
De Bruyne then sealed the victory with a third goal in the final moments, confirming Man City’s place in the next FA Cup round after a hard-fought match.
