Manchester City bounced back from a goal down to claim a 2-1 win over AFC Bournemouth in the FA Cup. Erling Haaland and Omar Marmoush spearheaded the Premier League champions to victory with two second-half goals.
Haaland missed a penalty in the first half as Kepa Arrizabalaga guessed right and held the ball. The Norwegian was not having his finest day and chipped an attempt over the Spanish striker when sent through on goal.
To compound their woes, Evanilson put the Cherries in front. However, City gritted their teeth and turned the game around. Youngster Nico O’Reilly impacted the game, assisting Haaland and Marmoush.
Unfortunately, Haaland twisted his ankle late on and came off. City manager Pep Guardiola admitted that he did not know the full extent of the injury, worrying for the Cityzens considering they need all hands on deck for the Premier League run-in.
City’s inconsistency this season has forced them into a top-four hunt. They face a fight to secure one of the UEFA Champions League slots ahead of Chelsea, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Bournemouth.
City have crucial games in the coming weeks, especially their face-off with Manchester United next weekend. The Cityzens face Leicester City in mid-week and might be able to navigate that fixture without the mercurial marksman.
However, Haaland would be a massive miss against their arch-rivals. The 24-year-old has been sensational against Man Utd, recording six goals and three assists in his eight meetings with the Red Devils. They need Haaland firing on all cylinders for the Old Trafford visit.
The former Borussia Dortmund centre-forward, who has netted 21 goals in 28 Premier League appearances, is crucial to their chances of securing Champions League football next season.
Man City have not missed out on Champions League qualification since the 2009/10 season. They have qualified for the tournament easily in seven of Guardiola’s eight full seasons at Etihad Stadium. City have nine finals to avoid a disaster.
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