Manchester City kept their silverware hopes alive with a hard-fought comeback win over Bournemouth, setting up an FA Cup semi-final showdown with Nottingham Forest.
Evanilson's 21st-minute scrambled finish gave the Cherries a shock lead at half-time, leaving Pep Guardiola staring at the possibility of his first trophyless season since arriving at City in 2016.
Erling Haaland had a first-half penalty saved by Kepa Arrizabalaga and squandered two more big chances as the visitors struggled to find their rhythm against Bournemouth’s high-intensity pressing.
However, Guardiola’s tactical changes proved decisive.
He introduced Nico O'Reilly at half-time, and the 20-year-old, playing at left-back, delivered a perfect cross just four minutes into the second half for Haaland to tap in at the far post.
City then took the lead in the 63rd minute through Omar Marmoush, who replaced the injured Haaland.
The Egyptian forward latched onto an O'Reilly pass and squeezed his shot under Kepa, sealing City's place at Wembley.
Guardiola’s Adjustments Turn the Tide
Guardiola has downplayed the significance of an FA Cup triumph in an otherwise underwhelming season by City’s lofty standards, but his determination to add another trophy was clear from his touchline urgency.
His strong starting lineup was filled with serial winners, yet they struggled against a fearless Bournemouth side in the first half.
Recognizing the need for change, Guardiola replaced the struggling Abdukodir Khusanov with O'Reilly, shifting Josko Gvardiol to central defense.
The move paid off instantly as O'Reilly provided the cutting edge City had lacked, first setting up Haaland’s equalizer before assisting Marmoush’s winner.
The only concern for City was Haaland’s injury, as the Norwegian striker appeared to twist his left ankle in a challenge with Lewis Cook before being forced off.
Bournemouth’s Brave Effort Ends in Disappointment
Bournemouth had City rattled in the first half, pressing relentlessly and exposing vulnerabilities in Guardiola’s backline.
Their reward came when Matheus Nunes lost possession to Cook, leading to Justin Kluivert teeing up Evanilson for a close-range finish.
Despite an energetic first 45 minutes, the Cherries faded after the break and could not match City's superior quality.
The absence of suspended duo Milos Kerkez and Dean Huijsen proved costly, with Kerkez’s attacking threat and Huijsen’s defensive stability sorely missed.
Andoni Iraola’s side will be disappointed to have let a Wembley opportunity slip, but their performances this season continue to highlight their progress under the Spanish manager.
City march on, keeping their FA Cup dreams alive, while Bournemouth must now turn their focus back to league action.