Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has praised Nico O’Reilly’s impact in the comeback win over Bournemouth.
O’Reilly, who was Man City’s hero in the FA Cup fifth round win over Plymouth, played a massive role in ensuring Guardiola’s side came from behind to confirm a seventh consecutive semi-final appearance.
The 20-year-old was introduced to proceedings at half-time, with City a goal down following a nightmare first-half where they conceded to Evanlison against the run of play as Erling Haaland wasted three clear-cut chances, including a penalty that was saved by Kepa Arrizabalaga.
However, O’Reilly would prove to be the difference maker. Firstly, he laid the ball on a plate for Haaland to equalise four minutes into the second half and then poked the ball through to Omar Marmoush for the winning goal.
After netting in round three against Salford and scoring a brace against Plymouth, it’s now three goals and two assists for O’Reilly in four FA Cup appearances.
Speaking about O’Reilly impact after the game, Guardiola hinted that the the youngster will be rewarded with some minutes in next month’s FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest.
"Not just young players, but the old players as well. Today, Bernardo [Silva], Gundo [Ilkay Gundogan] and Kevin [De Bruyne], you know they are really good,” Guardiola told ITV.
"Nico scored two goals against Plymouth and the impact today was outstanding. He's going to play in semi-final for sure!"
O’Reilly, meanwhile, revealed what Guardiola said to him at half-time: "He was just telling me to run in behind, try and get high, come inside when the winger goes outside and I was just trying to do that."
