Manchester City beat Bournemouth to progress in the FA Cup thanks to goals from Omar Marmoush and Erling Haaland
Comments
Sport
Updated 10:58, 31 Mar 2025
Kevin De Bruyne during a Manchester City game
Kevin De Bruyne is out of contract at the end of the summer(Image: Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images)
Manchester City beat Bournemouth to progress to the FA Cup semi-finals, turning around a disappointing first half to win 2-1 and while some fans in the Manchester Evening News comments section think the team survived a scare, others say it was satisfying to see flashes of previous dominance return, with Kevin De Bruyne at the centre of some analysis.
Bournemouth's Evanilson scored in the first half to put Pep Guardiola's team on the back foot, with City missing their chance to go ahead earlier with a penalty and other chances. Matheus Nunes continued to struggle at full-back, being at fault for the home side's goal.
Article continues below
The introduction of Nico O'Reilly improved things for City in the second half, and Erling Haaland got his goal after the break.
He was replaced by Omar Marmoush due to injury, who scored one of his own to secure the win and keep hopes of silverware in City's sights this season.
For some fans, there were lessons to take away despite the win. Reader Skps says: "Pep can really cost us some more games if he doesn't realize that some players signed are not of City caliber.
"Possessional football needs players whom are quick, comfortable on the ball. As for defenders, especially under pressure, they need good passing technique as well."
Commenter De Bruyne Blue writes: "That was satisfying. First half was wasteful. Haaland should have had a hattrick inside of 15 min. But as is typical this season they went into half (time) down one.
"But the second half was so much fun to watch. I don’t know what Pep said or did at the half but it worked. O’Reilly comes on and produces again! Why can’t he get a game in the league?? And Gvardiol looked great moving inside to CB."
Bluesince1955 says: "Got there in the end. First half performance not acceptable but once Haaland scored we played with much more confidence. Nunes is a nightmare at RB but that's the club's fault for completely ignoring both full-back positions for several years."
Others are thinking about a big decision to be made in the summer - the future of Kevin De Bruyne at the club. Max180 says: "One thing you will notice from today is how much De Bruyne loves being here, and he is still a class act. We need to keep him for another season."
Jheatley writes: "For the last few months after going a goal down City would have caved. Pep’s half time speech must have been a douzy. Gundogan, Dias, Kovacic. Nunez (going forward) and Bernardo we’re great. De Bruyne ran his butt off dictating the game (his best game by far this season), Marmoush a constant threat.
"O’Reilly- fantastic going forward, really solid defending and looked very comfortable at left back. He must be considered as the starting right back.
"City looked like the old City in the second half with control, desire, hustle and calmness again. I’m really optimistic for the rest of the season."
Bluecamp disagrees: "Pep has already said that Kevin has earnt the right to decide his own future! If he stays great and if he leaves that is his decision!"
Article continues below
Have your say! Would you keep Kevin De Bruyne on for another year? Or is it time for a new generation of City midfielders to prove their chops? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.