Cityzens' O'Reilly says 'All right' and crushes the minnows' FA Cup dreams

Plymouth couldn't pull off the same trick twice! They might have outsmarted Liverpool, but Man City learned from the Reds' mistakes. Even though the minnows took the lead in the 38th minute, when the defender Maksym Talovierov "gave a cold shower" to the entire Etihad except for the 8,000 Plymouth fans, the Cityzens managed to wake up in time and level just before the break behind Nico O'Reilly's header.

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The second half brought more chances for Pep Guardiola's team, but only one man could turn the tables tonight - O'Reilly! The 19-year-old headed another ball in for his first career brace fourteen minutes before the end, while Kevin De Bruyne put the cherry on top in the dying minutes - 3-1

The crowd at Etihad witnessed practically a "copy-paste" version of Plymouth's clash against Liverpool. The visitors opted for the "all-out defence" tactics, letting the Cityzens control everything on the pitch. Over 70% of possession and a dozen shots, and it still wasn't enough, as Plymouth took the lead!

A corner kick in the 38th minute was lethal for Pep Guardiola's squad, as the Pilgrims' centre-back Maksym Talovierov's perfect header found the net! Yet, unlike the Reds, the Cityzens knew how to respond, levelling the score in the added time, seconds before the break, over the 19-year-old Nico O'Reilly, who headed in Kevin De Bruyne's ideal free-kick cross.

After the break, City's dominance got even more significant, but the visitors refused to give up, as Ilkay Gundogan, KDB, and Erling Haaland only threatened, but couldn't find the way past the fantastic custodian Conor Hazard.

Finally, the green wall before the 26-year-old goalie broke fourteen minutes before the end, when City's hero, O'Reilly completed his first career brace and put the Cityzens in front! Once again, a set piece was lethal for Plymouth, only this time, Phil Foden was the taker. In the dying minutes, De Bruyne just confirmed City's victory.

Although they didn't shine, Man City secured the FA Cup quarter-finals and can now peacefully await the draw and focus on their Premier League fights in the meantime. On the other hand, the Pilgrims can be proud of their FA Cup campaign and that historic victory over Liverpool. Yet, now it's time for them to concentrate on the Championship and a harsh relegation battle that's before them.

FA CUP - ROUND OF 16

Friday

Aston Villa - Cardiff 2-0 (0-0)

/Asensio 68, 80/

Saturday

Crystal Palace - Millwall 3-1 (2-1)

/Tanganga 33 og, Munoz 40, Nketiah 81 - Harding 45+13/

Preston - Burnley 3-0 (2-0)

/Brady 31, Osmajic 44, Keane 73/

Bournemouth - Wolverhampton 5-4 on pen (1-1)

/Evanilson 30 - Cunha 60/

Man.City - Plymouth 3-1 (1-1)

/O'Reilly 45+1, 76, De Bruyne 90 - Talovierov 38/

Sunday

16.45: (2.15) Newcastle (3.50) Brighton (3.30)

19.30: (2.35) Man.Utd. (3.40) Fulham (3.00)

Monday

22.30: (1.75) Nott.Forest (3.60) Ipswich (4.90)

***odds are subject to change***