Manchester City overcame a first-half scare to defeat Plymouth Argyle 3-1 at the Etihad on Saturday, securing their place in the FA Cup quarter-finals. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace advanced with a 3-1 victory over Millwall, but the match was overshadowed by a serious injury to striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Man City edge past brave Plymouth
Plymouth, who stunned Premier League leaders Liverpool in the previous round, looked set for another shock when Maksym Talovierov’s 38th-minute header put the Championship side ahead.
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Argyle boss Miron Muslic had called the opportunity to face Pep Guardiola the “biggest honour” of his career, and his side nearly delivered a dream result. However, City’s 19-year-old midfielder Nico O’Reilly stole the spotlight, scoring twice from set-pieces to turn the tie around.
O’Reilly’s first goal just before half-time settled City’s nerves, before he powered in Phil Foden’s corner 14 minutes from time. Star striker Erling Haaland, who started on the bench, came on late and assisted Kevin De Bruyne for City’s third goal in stoppage time.
Mateta hospitalised in Palace win
Crystal Palace’s derby victory over Millwall was marred by a horrifying injury to Mateta, who was stretchered off after being accidentally kicked in the head by Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts just eight minutes into the match.
Roberts, who initially won the ball, caught Mateta with his boot while clearing outside the penalty area. After a VAR review, referee Michael Oliver upgraded his initial decision to a red card.
Palace manager Oliver Glasner was furious, stating the tackle could have ended Mateta’s career. “Just imagine if he hits his face straight, with his power, with the studs, it is the end of JP’s career,” he said.
Mateta later reassured fans on Instagram: “Thank you for all your kind messages. I’m doing well. I hope to be back very soon. And stronger than ever.”
Palace capitalised on their numerical advantage, with Japhet Tanganga’s own goal opening the scoring in the 33rd minute. Daniel Muñoz doubled the lead before Millwall’s Wes Harding pulled one back in first-half stoppage time. Eddie Nketiah sealed the win for Palace with a late looping header.
Bournemouth edge Wolves in penalty shootout; Preston shock Burnley
Bournemouth reached the quarter-finals for only the third time in their history after a dramatic 5-4 penalty shootout win over Wolves following a 1-1 draw.
Evanilson’s first-half strike was followed by VAR controversy when Milos Kerkez had a goal ruled out for offside after an eight-minute review, due to a failure of the semi-automated system.
Matheus Cunha equalised with a stunning strike for Wolves but was later sent off for violent conduct after clashing with Kerkez. In the shootout, Luis Sinisterra converted the winning penalty after Wolves’ Boubacar Traoré hit the crossbar.
Preston North End ended Burnley’s 23-game unbeaten run with a dominant 3-0 victory at Deepdale. Milutin Osmajic, who was previously accused of racist abuse by Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri, taunted opposition fans after scoring the second goal. Robbie Brady and Will Keane were also on target as Preston progressed to the FA Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1966.
