Manchester City's FA Cup campaign was nearly derailed by another lower-league giant-killer, but teenage sensation Nico O'Reilly stepped up to rescue his side from an embarrassing exit. The 18-year-old midfielder scored twice in the second half as City fought back from a goal down to beat Championship strugglers Plymouth Argyle 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium in the FA Cup fifth round on Saturday.
Plymouth, who had already stunned Premier League leaders Liverpool in the previous round after eliminating Brentford in the third, threatened to add another massive scalp to their remarkable run when Maksym Talovierov put them ahead in the first half. However, City's superior quality eventually told, as O'Reilly’s brace and a goal from Kevin De Bruyne ensured the reigning FA Cup runners-up progressed to the quarter-finals.
Pep Guardiola, a vocal admirer of the historic competition, was relieved to see his side avoid what could have been a humiliating loss. Despite City's dominance in English football in recent years, their 2023-24 season has been turbulent, with the club currently sitting fourth in the Premier League and already eliminated from both the Champions League and the League Cup. With their league title hopes fading, FA Cup success could provide a much-needed silver lining.
Plymouth's Giant-Killing Dream Almost Lives On.
Argyle arrived at the Etihad with confidence, having already shocked two top-flight clubs in the competition. Their third-round win over Brentford was a warning sign of their resilience, but it was their fourth-round triumph over Liverpool that truly made headlines. A gritty 1-0 victory over a much-rotated Reds side proved that Plymouth were not just fortunate underdogs—they were a disciplined and fearless team.
Given City's recent inconsistencies, particularly against deep defensive blocks, there was a genuine sense that another upset was possible. Guardiola, however, opted to make wholesale changes to his lineup following the midweek league victory over Tottenham, perhaps underestimating Plymouth’s potential threat. His decision to rotate the squad almost backfired when the visitors struck first.
Talovierov Shocks the Etihad.
Despite City's early dominance in possession, Plymouth were compact and well organized, frustrating their illustrious hosts. The visitors had a clear plan: absorb pressure, remain disciplined at the back, and capitalize on set piece opportunities. Their strategy paid off in the 32nd minute when Ukrainian defender Maksym Talovierov rose highest to meet a deep cross, heading past Stefan Ortega to give Plymouth a shock lead.
The goal stunned the Etihad crowd, and for a brief moment, it felt as though history was repeating itself. City had already come close to conceding earlier, with Plymouth showing impressive attacking intent on the counter. Meanwhile, City's makeshift lineup struggled to find any attacking rhythm. Phil Foden saw a deflected effort roll narrowly wide, while Conor Hazard made an excellent save to deny Ilkay Gundogan’s header.
As halftime approached, City’s frustration was evident. Guardiola, standing anxiously on the touchline, urged his players to move the ball quicker, but Plymouth held firm. When the referee blew the whistle for the interval, the visitors left the pitch with a deserved lead, while City faced the possibility of their lowest moment of an already difficult campaign.
O'Reilly’s Coming of Age Performance.
City returned for the second half with a renewed sense of urgency. Guardiola made no immediate substitutions, placing his trust in his young and rotated squad to respond. It was Nico O'Reilly, making just his sixth start for the club, who would prove to be the difference.
The Manchester-born teenager has been highly regarded within City's academy, but few expected him to take center stage in such a crucial moment. In the 53rd minute, O'Reilly found space inside the box after a neat combination play involving De Bruyne and Foden. The ball fell kindly to the youngster, who calmly slotted past Hazard to bring City level.
The goal injected life into City’s performance. Plymouth, who had defended valiantly until then, suddenly found themselves under relentless pressure. Guardiola’s men moved the ball quicker, stretching the visitors across the pitch. With De Bruyne pulling the strings, City's superior technical ability began to show.
O'Reilly struck again in the 68th minute, completing the turnaround. After a pinpoint cross from Joško Gvardiol, the teenager displayed excellent composure to guide a powerful header into the top corner, leaving Hazard with no chance. The Etihad erupted in celebration, and O'Reilly was mobbed by his teammates in recognition of his breakthrough performance.
De Bruyne Seals the Win.
Plymouth fought bravely in search of an equalizer, but City’s defensive organization improved after taking the lead. Guardiola introduced key players from the bench, including Bernardo Silva and Rodri, to ensure control in midfield. Any lingering fears of a late collapse were put to rest in the 82nd minute when De Bruyne, who had been City's best creative outlet throughout the game, scored to put the match beyond doubt.
Receiving the ball at the edge of the box, the Belgian maestro unleashed a curling effort into the bottom corner, showcasing his trademark quality. It was a moment of class that encapsulated why City have relied on him so heavily over the years.
As the final whistle blew, Plymouth's players were met with a standing ovation from the traveling supporters, who recognized their team’s remarkable FA Cup run. Though they had fallen short of another historic upset, their performances throughout the competition had earned them admiration from across English football.
City's FA Cup Hopes Stay Alive.
For City, the result was a much-needed relief. Guardiola’s men are still in contention for FA Cup silverware, and given their struggles in other competitions this season, lifting the trophy would provide some redemption. The Spaniard has always held the FA Cup in high regard, recently describing it as "the most beautiful domestic cup competition in the world." His side’s performance against Plymouth, however, was a reminder that success in this tournament requires focus and resilience.
O'Reilly’s heroics will undoubtedly be a talking point moving forward. His performance not only saved City from embarrassment but also hinted at a bright future. Guardiola has never hesitated to trust young talent, and the teenager’s composure under pressure suggests he could have a bigger role to play in the coming months.
As City march on to the quarter-finals, their fans will hope this victory serves as a turning point in a challenging season. With the Premier League title slipping away and European disappointment behind them, the FA Cup remains their best shot at silverware. Whether they can go all the way remains to be seen, but for now, they can breathe a sigh of relief—thanks to a young hero named Nico O'Reilly.
