Manchester city are very slow and dull in that Match. I watched the entire first half and what I saw was not encouraging. Bournemouth are looking more sharp than city and they are dominating the midfield area, and troubling city defense. Apart from the penalty that Erling Haaland missed and the other one on one that went over the bar, city haven't had any serious attempt that would trouble the Bournemouth defence, or their goal keeper. City players are mostly trying to play from the back, but it's not working for them. Bournemouth players are looking more physical and aggressive more than city. They have made Ederson to work more than expected. With the way the first half ended, if it continues like that in the second half, there's no way city are going to win. They look very tired and exhausted, Haaland she be substituted and let Omar replace him.
Manchester City has not taken any time to score the equalizing goal. The substitution made by the Manchester City coach, taking out Khusanov and bringing in O'Reilly has served its exact purpose. The early goal gives a boost to Manchester City who will be positive now that they can win this while Bournemouth are under an early pressure. There is still enough time in the game for any of the teams to win it, but so far in this second half, it is looking like it will be Manchester City who win it at the end.
Pep was right to have taken Khusanov out, the young defender was really shaking and his position was continuously being exploited by the Bournemouth players. I will say Khusanov is still adapting to the physicality of the english football. Things are done differently from where he's coming from. His substitution really gave city more authority in the game. Now they have advanced to the semi final where they are going to face Nottingham forest. It would have been very disastrous for Manchester city had they not come up with the win tonight, their season would have ended without a trophy. When they face Nottingham forest, it is going to be a difficult challenge for them, because we all know what Nottingham are made of. A dangerous team that's looking for every opportunity to win their first title in many years.