Man City Survive Scare to Beat Plymouth 3-1

Having to come from behind to defeat Championship side Plymouth 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium to reserve their place in the last eight, Manchester City were given an FA Cup scare.

When Maksym Talovierov headed Miron Muslic’s side into a 38th-minute lead, Liverpool’s fourth-round victors were looking for another major shock.
But teenage Nico O’Reilly, who struck twice as Manchester City battled back to lead, dashed any dreams the Pilgrims may have had of extending their improbable cup run after unexpected wins over Brentford and Liverpool.

Heading an equaliser before the break, the 19-year-old acting as a substitute left-back then replicated the feat 14 minutes from time.

With their third goal in the 90th minute, Kevin De Bruyne then confirmed City’s spot in the quarter-finals.

Given their almost complete control of play, City’s ultimate triumph was not surprising. The win preserves Pep Guardiola’s aspirations for silverware this season by means of the FA Cup, therefore sustaining their chances of trophy success.

But Plymouth’s defiance in defense provided the Premier League team many of ideas.

Since Wayne Rooney’s sacking on New Year’s Eve, New head coach Muslic seems to have given the Pilgrims fresh life and a fighting chance to prevent Championship relegation and supervise some cup exploits.