Manchester City survived a scare to beat giant killers Plymouth 3-1 and secure a spot in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Saturday, following Crystal Palace’s 3-1 win over Millwall, which saw Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta hospitalised.
Plymouth, who had shocked Premier League leaders Liverpool in the previous round, were on the brink of another upset at the Etihad when Maksym Talovierov headed them in front in the 38th minute.
Argyle manager Miron Muslic had called it the “biggest honour” of his life to face Pep Guardiola, and with City’s only realistic hope of silverware this season being the FA Cup, Guardiola surprisingly rotated his squad, leaving Erling Haaland on the bench.
However, it was one of City’s young stars, Nico O’Reilly, who took his opportunity to shine. O’Reilly turned the game around by scoring twice, both from set-pieces with minimal pressure. His equaliser just before halftime settled City’s nerves, and 14 minutes from time, he powered in a header from a Phil Foden corner to put City ahead.
By then, Haaland had come on, and he assisted Kevin De Bruyne for City’s third in stoppage time.
Guardiola praised Plymouth for making it difficult, saying, “Big compliments to Plymouth for making our job so difficult. They were incredibly organised, but we played a good game.”
MATETA’S CAREER PUT AT RISK
Crystal Palace’s progression into the quarter-finals came at a cost as Jean-Philippe Mateta was stretchered off and rushed to the hospital following a serious injury during their South London derby against Millwall.
The incident occurred early in the match when Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts was sent off after catching Mateta’s head with his boot while attempting to clear the ball outside the penalty area. After a VAR review, Roberts was given a red card for the accidental challenge.
Mateta later posted on Instagram, saying, “Thank you for all your kind messages. I’m doing well. I hope to be back very soon. And stronger than ever. Well done guys for a great job today.”
Palace manager Oliver Glasner confirmed Mateta had suffered a serious injury to his ear, adding that the impact could have ended his career. “Just imagine if he hits his face straight, with his power, with the studs, it is the end of JP’s career,” Glasner said.
Palace chairman Steve Parish called the challenge “the most reckless challenge” he had ever seen.
Despite the early scare, Palace capitalised on the man advantage, with Japhet Tanganga’s own goal putting them ahead in the 33rd minute. Daniel Munoz added a second shortly after. Millwall responded with Wes Harding’s goal in first-half stoppage time, but Palace sealed the win in the 82nd minute when Eddie Nketiah scored a looping header.
CUNHA SEES RED
Bournemouth made it to the FA Cup quarter-finals for only the third time in their history, defeating Wolves 5-4 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw at the Vitality Stadium.
Evanilson opened the scoring for Bournemouth in the 30th minute, but VAR controversy followed when Milos Kerkez had a second goal ruled out for offside after an eight-minute check due to a breakdown of the semi-automated system.
Wolves equalised through Matheus Cunha’s powerful strike in the second half to force extra-time, but Cunha was sent off for violent conduct following repeated clashes with Kerkez.
In the penalty shootout, Matt Doherty missed a chance to send Wolves through, Boubacar Traore hit the crossbar, and Luis Sinisterra sealed the win for Bournemouth.
OSMAJIC TAUNTS BURLEY FANS
Milutin Osmajic taunted Burnley fans after helping Preston North End reach the FA Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1966 with a 3-0 win at Deepdale.
The game followed allegations made by Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri accusing Osmajic of racist abuse in their previous league meeting, which the Preston striker denied. Burnley players refused to shake hands with Osmajic before the match.
Osmajic scored Preston’s second goal late in the first half and celebrated by cupping his hands around his ears while taunting the Burnley fans. Robbie Brady and Will Keane also scored as Preston ended Burnley’s 23-match unbeaten run.
