**_LONDON_**: Omar Marmoush struck again to lift Manchester City into the semi-finals of the FA Cup for the seventh successive season and maintain their hope of winning at least one prize this season.
The Egyptian proved a lucky talisman for manager Pep Guardiola again by scoring with his first touch against Bournemouth after replacing injured Erling Haaland. City, beaten finalists by neighbours United last season, will face Nottingham Forest in the semi-finals at Wembley after recovering from an awful start to deny the Cherries a first-ever appearance in the last four.
Guardiola had spent much of two weeks blaming himself, rather than his players, for the erratic form which has seen City exit the Premier League title race, the Champions League and the League Cup.
His players, determined to make amends for their miss-steps, started at full power and Erling Haaland could have scored a hat-trick in the opening 15 minutes. Instead he missed two simple opportunities either side of having a penalty saved by goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. Haaland has now missed three of his last six City penalties, after having converted all of his previous 11.
Bournemouth capitalised by taking the lead after 22 minutes. Matheus Nunes lost possession, David Brooks crossed and Justin Kluivert’s shot was pushed over the goal-line by Evanilson.
Guardiola brought on midfielder Nico O’Reilly at halftime in place of defender Abdukodir Khusanov and was rewarded with the equaliser. The 20-year-old broke free down the left wing and crossed for Haaland to sweep home his 30th goal in all competitions. That was also the Norwegian’s last meaningful contribution. Minutes later he twisted an ankle in a tangle with Lewis Cook.
Marmoush came on as substitute and made an immediate impact with O’Reilly again providing the assist. Kepa was at fault this time, allowing the Egyptian’s shot to slip beneath his body. City remained in command and could have had more goals. Marmoush had a shot cleared off the line and Gundogan hit a post.
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