How we scored the players: Abdul Fatawu scored a fantastic goal in extra time to help City reach the final eight of the FA Cup for the first time since they won it.
Abdul Fatawu’s spectacular extra-time strike stunned Bournemouth and advanced Leicester City to the FA Cup quarterfinals.
The Ghanaian curled in from 25 yards to seal the contest as Enzo Maresca‘s much-changed City defeated Premier League opponents. After a goalless 90 minutes in which City had more than held their own, Fatawu bent in the winner, placing the club in the final eight for the first time since winning the trophy in 2021.
Following consecutive Championship defeats, an FA Cup tie appeared to be a distraction for City. But they press on and are currently one game away from a Wembley semi-final.
Maresca delivered on his pledge, heavily rotating his 11. Nine changes were made, with Arjan Raikhy being the outstanding newcomer, the 21-year-old midfielder tasked with the Harry Winks role on his debut for the club.
And the much-changed side began well against their Premier League opponents, creating a couple half-chances against a back four that had all started against Manchester City a few days before. But Bournemouth surged into the game, and their man-to-man pressure made City appear uneasy.
Jakub Stolarczyk was following the Maresca pattern, but it was causing problems for his teammates, and the Cherries took advantage, with Enes Unal having a shot blocked near the line by Hamza Choudhury before Alex Scott turned over from close range. Unal almost flicked in after pinball in the City box.
However, City came close to scoring. Bournemouth lost the ball away under Dennis Praet’s pressure, and Marc Albrighton raced for goal, hitting the base of the post with a low shot. On the rebound, Wanya Marcal’s blistering drive forced Mark Travers to make a fantastic save high to his right.
Bournemouth led the second half, but City’s tenacious defence limited their opportunities. In fact, they only came near when Marcos Senesi’s cross rebounded through and onto the post.
However, as the half progressed and players such as Fatawu and Kelechi Iheanacho were inserted, City became stronger. And they had the greatest two opportunities to win within 90 minutes.
The first was a fantastic opportunity, as Choudhury slipped a delightful pass to Yunus, but he shot over the bar with his weaker right foot. Then Iheanacho‘s lovely lay-off had Ricardo Pereira sprinting through, but he toe-poked wide.
Ninety minutes couldn’t separate the two sides, therefore something spectacular was required in the remaining half-hour. Fatawu delivered. Iheanacho sent the ball back to the Ghanaian, who curled a fantastic shot into the top corner from 25 yards that Travers was unable to save.
City will be drawn for the last eight on Wednesday night, and they might face local rivals Coventry in a fight to reach the semi-finals. Here’s how we rated the players.
Jakub Stolarczyk: There were numerous occasions when his short passes to teammates under pressure put City in danger and led to Bournemouth opportunities. Somehow, none were expensive. His shot-stopping ability, however, is exceptional, with the Pole making a great reaction save to keep Sinisterra’s header out. He also had good corner punching skills.
Hamza Choudhury has a fantastic all-around game. In the first half, he made a goal-line save and cleaned up admirably as Bournemouth threatened. In the second, he slipped in a brilliant through ball, setting up Yunus’ great chance. He maintained composure and possession throughout. 8
Conor Coady: Possibly his best performance in a City shirt. On the ball, he lofted an excellent pass to Yunus early on before delivering a tempting cross in the second half. Defensively, he made many crucial interventions.
Jannik Vestergaard: Outstanding. He played with great confidence, charging out of defence to connect with attackers and even going on a gallant run in extra time. Defensively, he made numerous solid blocks and good headed clearances. 9
Callum Doyle: He made two key defensive headers at the opening of each half, but he was frequently beaten by Sinisterra, the Manchester City loanee who couldn’t stop the winger. He provided excellent on-ball support for Marcal. 5
Arjan Raikhy: He had a good start on the ball, always looking forward, but as Bournemouth improved, the game became too quick for him, and he failed to make an impression. Cook was replaced at halftime after being booked for a late foul. 5
Dennis Praet: He wasn’t quite quick enough to get on the long balls, but when they came to his feet, he did well, linking play neatly with all of his teammates. He worked hard. 6
Yunus Akgun: He missed so many opportunities. Nonetheless, he played well. While his finishing fell short, he gets respect for his willingness to go in behind and some breathtaking 50-yard dribbles. 7
Marc Albrighton: He offered dedication off the ball as usual, and while he didn’t get on the ball too often, he came closest to scoring in the first half, hitting the post. It was a beautiful strike. 6
Tom Cannon: When he dropped deep to connect with the defence, his first-time offloads were effective. However, in the high end, he struggled to time his runs or get his feet in position to shoot. 6
Wanya Marcal: With the exception of his stinging shot, he was ineffective in the first half. But he came alive in the second period, dancing into the box on a regular basis, posing a significant threat. 7
Ricardo Pereira: Won defensive headers and kept his wingers close at the back, but most crucially, improved City’s attacking play. This enabled them to launch more threatening strikes. 7
Abdul Fatawu: Without a magnificent strike, his performance would have been marred by poor judgements and reckless long-range shots. But he ultimately hit one sweetly to secure a fantastic victory. 7
Kelechi Iheanacho: He can fall and lose possession at times, but his hold-up play was excellent overall. He provided City with an outlet, which assisted to sustain attacks. 7
James Justin: He stumbled frequently, but he typically recovered in time to keep his winger quiet. Won free kicks in key locations. 6
Ben Nelson shown quickness and dedication to help secure the victory. He has a bright future. 6
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