MAN CITY 3, PLYMOUTH ARGYLE 1
Nico O’Reilly was Manchester City’s unlikely hero in their Emirates FA Cup win against Championship club Plymouth Argyle.
The 19-year-old left back – he is normally a midfielder – scored two headed goals to help City come from behind to take the lead against the Pilgrims.
Kevin De Bruyne sealed victory in the final minute as City booked their place in the quarter finals.
And O’Reilly, who came through the academy from the age of eight, was praised by manager Pep Guardiola who decided not to allow O’Reilly to leave on loan.
“Sometimes it takes a good decision,” joked City’s manager.
“He is not the typical academy player who is small [he is 6ft 2in] but he has a big presence.
“He is normally an attacking midfield player, a No 10. He adapted well and he is a threat at set=pieces as we are not a tall team. He helped us and scored two fantastic goals.”
O’Reilly, who scored his first goal in the cup this season in the 8-0 cup win against Salford, said: “It’s an amazing feeling to score, especially at a club like this – the team I grew up playing for.
“It was a very tough game, very physical, very direct. We knew it was going to be, and we tried to match it. We got the job done and I’m happy.
“I don’t mind playing anywhere. Wherever the gaffer puts me, I’m happy with. I want to get more minutes, keep my head down and keep going.”
Guardiola was pleased with his side’s performance saying they did not take anything for granted and were not surprised by how difficult the challenge was.
“Big compliments to Plymouth for making our job so difficult. They were incredibly organised, but we played a good game – really good.
“I didn’t take anything for granted, when I saw how well they defended and the problems they created for Liverpool. They’re an incredibly solid team.
“We conceded a goal, but we were so solid. I’m really pleased with the game we played.
“No team has been in the [FA Cup] semi-finals five or six times in a row. Now we will fight, see the draw and see what happens.”
He was pleased with his side’s performance adding they have been playing ‘much better’ over the last month and the mood is good.
Plymouth manager Miron Muslic believes the cup run can be a catalyst in their bid to stave off the threat of relegation.
He said: “I am only disappointed with the result but proud of the performance.
“We gave Manchester City a proper match against one of the best teams in the world and one of the best coaches.
“We executed our game plan with structure, passion and heart and with tactical discipline.
“I am proud of my team, and it was a huge privilege and honour to face Manchester City here and Pep Guardiola and gave them a challenge.
“This will give us confidence and a boost with our potential relegation fight and collecting enough points to stay up.
“We have good memories in this competition, and it is going to be a hell of a ride in the next 12 games.”
Muslic added the Green Army – 7,800 of them at the Etihad – will have taken away memories they will keep for a long time and one of his abiding moments was looking over his shoulder and seeing them celebrate when Talovierov gave the Pilgrims the lead.
It was all change for City as Guardiola fielded a completely different starting line-up to Wednesday’s win at Spurs.
There was still a wealth of experience in a side captained by Kevin De Bruyne and which also included Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, Ilkay Gundogan, Jack Grealish and Nathan Ake.
But there was a second start for new teenage Brazilian signing Vitor Reis and also starts for young players O’Reilly and Rico Lewis.
Plymouth had two ex-City players in their starting line-up, Nathanael Ogbeta and Darko Gyabi.
Argyle’s second choice keeper Daniel Grimshaw was also on the books at the Etihad.
Muslic retained only five players who started last week’s home draw with Cardiff, including skipper Nikola Katic, clearly with eyes on Tuesday’s relegation battle at Hull City
One of the absentees was striker Ryan Hardie, the matchwinner in the last round against Liverpool as he was ruled out through a back injury.
City began on the front foot but made little inroads against Argyle’s resolute defence as they made some big blocks around their goal.
Foden had their first big chance in the 12th minute as his shot was deflected narrowly wide for a corner.
They also had shouts for a penalty rejected after the ball clearly struck the arm of centre back Julio Pleguezuelo.
Gundogan had two decent chances in quick succession, heading just over and then seeing a header saved low down by keeper Conor Hazard.
There was a third chance for the German who went even closer when his shot struck the upright from Grealish’s cut back.
Against the run of play, Argyle snatched a 38th minute lead from their first corner as Matthew Sorinola’s delivery was headed home by giant centre back Talovierov.
The 7,800 visiting fans were jubilant and City supporters stunned.
City hit back as Reis headed narrowly wide and De Bruyne forced a fine fingertip save from Hazard before they equalised in stoppage time.
De Bruyne’s free kick was met by O’Reilly who headed home from eight yards despite Hazard getting a strong hand to the ball.
City were forced into a half-time change as the injured Ake was replaced by Ruben Dias.
They began their pursuit of a second goal as Gundogan was denied by Hazard and a spectacular scissor kick volley from Lewis narrowly cleared the bar. Lewis also had another big chance but blazed over.
As the hour approached, City called on one of their big hitters as Erling Haaland replaced McAtee.
Foden bent another effort narrowly wide before Argyle made a triple change bringing on fresh legs.
De Bruyne’s cross cum shot brought a fine flying save from Hazard before Haaland had his first chance, blazing over from seven yards.
Haaland was denied by a wonder save from Hazard with Silva putting the rebound wide.
City’s relentless pressure was finally rewarded in the 76th minute when O’Reilly struck again with a far post header from Foden’s corner.
There was a third City change with seven minutes let as Foden made way for Nico Gonzales.
City, who had 29 goal attempts to Argyle’s one, finally sealed victory in the 90th minute.
Hazard made a great block to deny Haaland, but the ball rebounded kindly to the Norwegian whose low cross was converted by De Bruyne who slid in to convert from four yards.