FA Cup

PEP GUARDIOLA has been hit with a touchline ban after being booked against Bournemouth.The Manchester City boss masterminded a comeback against the Cherries after going 1-0 down before half-time, with Erling Haaland and super sub Omar Marmoush scoring to turn the tie around.Pep Guardiola will miss Man City’s next game after picking up a yellow card against BournemouthCredit: GettyThe win booked City a spot in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley with the Cityzens to face Nottingham Forest for a chance to appear in their third final in a row in the competition.Indeed, this season marks a record seventh semi-final in a row for Guardiola’s side.But during the second half of the clash, referee Stuart Atwell booked the Spanish manager for dissent.It came when Guardiola complained after talisman Haaland had gone down with injury in the second half following a challenge from Lewis Cook.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDespite Haaland signalling for a change, Bournemouth carried on playing which sparked an angry reaction from City, with Kevin De Bruyne seen confronting Cook as Guardiola made his thoughts clear.Guardiola, 54, had previously been booked against Arsenal and Fulham.And his third booking of the campaign now means Guardiola won’t be on the touchline for City’s next game, a Premier League tie against Leicester City on Wednesday.City look set to also be without Haaland after he was forced off when he appeared to stutter his knee.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe Norwegian ace, who has now scored 30 goals in all competitions this season, was later pictured leaving the Vitality Stadium in a protective boot and crutches.When asked about the seriousness of the injury, Guardiola said: “I don’t know yet.Man City launched probe into Erling Haaland after he ‘left club’s mascot with whiplash’ after hit to back of head”I saw him on the massage table but I didn’t speak with him or the doctors. We will have to see.”Haaland missed two games with a knee injury earlier this campaign but has otherwise been in lethal goal-scoring form.City are heading to the revamped Club World Cup this summer, with Guardiola hoping to put a dismal 2024/25 firmly behind him.But he claims his squad wouldn’t deserve the £100million prize money on offer – after their poor Premier League title defence.Guardiola said: “We don’t deserve it this season. We don’t deserve a bonus this season. The bonus, if you win, I don’t know how much.”You go there, (winning) it’s for the club. The managers, the backroom staff, the players we don’t deserve, not even a watch.” More

ERLING HAALAND has sparked injury concern after leaving the Vitality Stadium in a protective boot.The Manchester City superstar was on target as Pep Guardiola’s men booked their place in the FA Cup semi-finals.Erling Haaland was forced off with an injury against BournemouthCredit: GettyThe City superstar was later snapped leaving the Vitality Stadium in a protective bootCredit: TikTokThe striker had earlier netted levelled the scores in a 2-1 winCredit: TikTokHaaland, 24, netted early in the second half after missing a penalty during the opening 45 minutes.He limped out of the game on the hour mark after appearing to suffer an ankle injury.The Norweigan attempted to play on through the knock. But he was in too much discomfort to continue, with Omar Marmoush replacing him from the bench. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHaaland was later pictured leaving the stadium with a large protective boot over his left leg.He needed crutches to reach the team bus, casting doubt on his fitness ahead of the run-in.When asked about the seriousness of the injury, Guardiola said: “I don’t know yet.”I saw him on the massage table but I didn’t speak with him or the doctors. We will have to see.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHaaland missed two games with a knee injury earlier this campaign but has otherwise been in lethal goal-scoring form.He has 21 goals in 28 Premier League games, along with 8 in 9 in European competition. Inside Man City’s £300MILLION new stadium upgrade with futuristic Etihad project to rival AnfieldCity’s 2-1 comeback win kept their season alive with the FA Cup still up for grabs as potential silverware. Guardiola’s side have endured a miserable campaign, failing to defend their Premier League title and already out of the Champions League. January signing Marmoush proved to be the match-winner on Sunday, netting with his first touch off the bench. The Egpytian bundled in to complete a spirited comeback for City, who had gone behind thanks to a strike from Evanilson. City are heading to the revamped Club World Cup this summer, with Guardiola hoping to put a 2024/25 firmly behind him.Haaland was replaced in the 61st minute by Omar MarmoushCredit: APThe Egyptian netted the winner with his first touchCredit: GettyAnd the Spaniard claims his squad wouldn’t deserve the £100million prize money on offer – after their dismal Premier League title defence.Pep said: “We don’t deserve it this season.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We don’t deserve a bonus this season. The bonus, if you win, I don’t know how much.”You go there, (winning) it’s for the club. The managers, the backroom staff, the players we don’t deserve, not even a watch.” More

PEP GUARDIOLA might be having a bit of a nightmare – but he was still able to wreck the nation’s hopes of a dream FA Cup semi-final line-up.Pretty much everyone, apart from fans of Manchester City, wanted Bournemouth to join Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa in the last four of the tournament.City came from behind to beat Bournemouth 2-1 in the FA Cup to set up a semi-final clash against Nottingham ForestCredit: RexErling Haaland had his penalty saved by Kepa Arrizabalaga in the first halfCredit: RexEvanilson put Bournemouth ahead inside 21 minutes at the Vitality StadiumCredit: RexBut Haaland was set up by super sub Nico O’Reilly in the 49th minuteCredit: GettyCity have O’Reilly to thank for his two second-half assistsCredit: RexHaaland was subsequently subbed with an ankle injury on the hour markCredit: PABefore Haaland’s replacement Omar Marmoush put Pep Guardiola’s side 2-1 upCredit: RexBut while Brazilian striker Evanilson put Bournemouth ahead Erling Haaland – having wasted three first half chances, including a penalty- scored the equaliser just after half-time.And within a couple of minutes of replacing Haaland, Egyptian forward Omar Marmoush scored only his third goal since joining from Frankfurt for £59million in January.So, while this is proving to be a lousy season by City’s ridiculously high standards, a seventh successive appearance in the FA Cup semi-finals is in the bag.Let’s not forget that City’s semi-final opponents Forest are six points clear of them in the Premier League so they have every right to fancy their chances.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut as we saw here, Guardiola has the expertise – and a pretty decent subs bench – to change the game.On a glorious day on the south coast, Guardiola saw that his team were struggling and brought on 20-year-old Nico O’Reilly at the break for centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov.Although he was playing as a left-back, and has played there in the previous two FA Cup ties, O’Reilly is not really a left-back. His favourite position is as an attacking midfielder and while he can play as a No 10, he has also filled in as a defensive midfielder.Most read in FA CupCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSYet here, O’Reilly helped change the game by assisting both goals and although he has only played a handful of first-team games, you would not have guessed it.So, City scraped through but this is still proving to be a terrific year for the cups. Man City launched probe into Erling Haaland after he ‘left club’s mascot with whiplash’ after hit to back of headWhile Liverpool have all but won the Prem, the three promoted teams are going down and it looks as though two of the relegated club will be coming back up automatically, this term will be celebrated as a triumph over the so-called elite of English football if either Forest, Villa or Palace can follow Newcastle’s success in the Carabao Cup.Bournemouth will be annoyed with themselves after putting themselves in such a good position but they were unable to match their highly-charged first half performance after the break.They were missing suspended defenders Milos Kerkez and Dean Huijsen with left-back Julio Solar making only his second appearance in English football.And they were creaking at the back early on as Haaland could have scored a hat-trick within the space of six minutes.Although he steered Mattheus Nunes’ cross wide, you would have bet your life on him to stick away a penalty three minutes later after Tyler Adams handled.It was not the greatest of penalties but Kepa still had to guess the right way and he flung himself to the left.For Haaland, it was his third miss from the penalty spot in six which followed a run of 11 successive spot-kicks.Incredibly the match was only 16 minutes old when Haaland had another clear but after galloping clear, he lifted his shot over the bar.So it was inevitable that Bournemouth would tear up the other end and score.Nunes was to blame by giving possession away to Lewis Cook and then the City defender was caught out at the far post with Justin Kluivert beating him to David Brooks’ cross. While Kluivert thought he had scored, Evanilson made sure on the line under pressure from KhusanovMarcos Senesi would have made it 2-0 had his leg been an inch longer but he was unable to prod Brooks’ free-kick over the line.Super sub O’Reilly turned the tie around for CityCredit: GettyAt half-time, Guardiola unleashed O’Reilly and the England under-20 international clearly carried out his manager’s orders to perfection.Within four minutes, O’Reilly made his mark as he punished Bournemouth for pushing up too far. His cross was outstanding and while Haaland was not having a good day, he was never going to miss this one.Guardiola celebrated widely but was then booked by sarcastically clapping Stuart Attwell who, quite rightly, did not stop play because Haaland had fallen awkwardly.Yet Haaland was immediately replaced by Marmoush and within a couple of minutes, he scored the second.READ MORE SUN STORIESAgain it was O’Reilly who delivered the assist, capitalising on a slip by Antoine Semenyo although Marmoush’s shot went through Kepa.So, although the FA Cup is going to have one of the so-called big boys in the semi-finals, three out of four unfancied teams is not bad.City’s timely subs proved the differenceCredit: AFP More

THE FA CUP semi-final draw has been completed and Wembley will be hosting some smashing encounters.Manchester City or Bournemouth will lock horns with Nottingham Forest, while Aston Villa will battle Crystal Palace.The FA Cup semi-final draw has been completedCredit: ReutersWembley is set to host two stunning FA Cup encounters before the finalCredit: ReutersPalace were the first team to punch their ticket to the semis after beating Fulham 3-0 on Saturday at Craven Cottage.Oliver Glasner’s men made it through thanks to goals by Eberechi Eze, Ismaila Sarr and Eddie Nketiah.Forest followed the Eagles soon after as they won their third penalty shootout in the competition this season at Brighton after a goalless draw.The Tricky Trees’ captain Ryan Yates scored the winning spot-kick to make it 4-3, while goalkeeper Matz Sels made two big saves.Read More on FootballVilla just became the third team to make the final four as they destroyed Preston North End with a score of 3-0 at Deepdale.Marcus Rashford broke his goalscoring duck with the Villans after his January loan switch from Manchester United as he registered a brace before Jacob Ramsey added the third.City and Bournemouth will now lock horns for the final spot in the FA Cup semi-finals when they meet at the Vitality Stadium.The reigning Premier League champions are the only team left of the Big Six in the competition and will be chasing their eighth cup – same as Villa.Most read in FA CupForest, on the other hand, have only lifted the trophy twice in their history, with their last triumph taking place way back in 1959, while Bournemouth and Palace have never won it.The semi-finals are scheduled to take place on the weekend of April 26 and 27 at Wembley.Wayne Rooney furious at what Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo did before FA Cup tie And the winners will meet in the final at the same venue on May 17.FA Cup semi-final drawHere’s the final pairs for the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley:Nottingham Forest vs Bourmemouth/Man CityCrystal Palace vs Aston Villa More

FINALLY Marcus Rashford is making headlines for the right reasons again. It has been a troubled season for the England forward but his first goals in almost four months ensured it could still finish in glorious fashion.Marcus Rashford scored twice to help Aston Villa into the FA Cup semi-finalCredit: PARashford broke the deadlock in the 58th minuteCredit: GettyThe forward scored his second from the penalty spotCredit: PAJacob Ramsey sealed the win with a thirdCredit: AlamyWhat a month April could be for Villa as they face a Champions League quarter-final and will now head to Wembley for an FA Cup semi-final at the end of it. If they can get Rashford back to his best then who knows what could happen?He tapped home a Lucas Digne cross before converting a penalty six minutes later. Jacob Ramsey rounded things off with a long range effort for the third.And his confidence is clearly back again as shortly afterwards he stepped up to take the penalty which sealed Aston Villa’s ticket to Wembley.Of course this was against a team who lie 14th in the Championship.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRashford will be judged on how he performs in the bigger tests – such as the double header against Champions League opponents Paris Saint Germain next month.But these goals will have done him the power of good – and mean he is dreaming of a glorious end to a troubled season for him.Preston were playing at this stage of the competition for the first time since 1966 and there was a party mood among the Deepdale fans.That extended into the start of the game as many of the balloons stayed on the pitch due to the swirling wind – causing a few issues for the players.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSYet Villa – at the start of what could be a huge month for them – could not burst the home crowd’s enthusiasm.They had lots of the ball and a few good opportunities but could not make any of them count.Marcus Rashford sells Lamborghini supercar for £450,000 and buys incredibly rare £177,000 Audi The best one fell to England defender Ezri Konsa who got on the end a cross from Marco Asensio but guided his header wide.They won a string of free-kicks in promising positions but did nothing with any of them and Rashford was particularly culpable for wasting them.North End were well organised and had comfortably dealt with most things Villa had thrown at them in the early stages.And then Paul Heckingbottom’s men had a golden chance to take the lead.Robbie Brady’s chip to the back post was pushed away by Emi Martinez but then headed straight back into the danger zone.With the Argentine keeper stranded Stefan Thordarson probably had more time than he realised and steered his header wide.Even so, Heckingbottom would have been well pleased with his team going in goalless at the break.After all, this is a Villa team who will play in the quarter-finals of the Champions League in just over a week – and they had looked anything but.Preston had not lost at home since early November and they had shown why teams have found it so difficult here.Yet there were signs soon after the restart that gaps were starting to appear in the home defence.Rashford benefitted from a lucky deflection into his path to go clean through but was denied by home keeper David Cornell.Yet his long wait to find the net did not last too much longer.A fluent move down the left saw Asensio play in Digne and his low cross was tapped home by Rashford.What a relief for the England forward and it clearly did his confidence a power of good.Morgan Rogers – who had seen an effort cleared off the line moments earlier – went down under a challenge from Andrew Hughes.He made the most of it but a penalty was given and Rashford – with his trademark shuffle – sent Cornell the wrong way.With Villa fans singing about Wembley, PNE knew the game was up. The only question was how many the visitors would score.They got another one as Ramsey collected a short free-kick and was allowed far too much time and space to rifle his shot into the corner.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd Rashford got a standing ovation from the visiting fans as he was subbed shortly before the end.The man who replaced him Ollie Watkins fluffed a golden chance to make it four late on but it didn’t matter – Rashford had already put the outcome beyond doubt. More