Manchester City is in transition and demands that newcomers and older people avoid the FA Cup shock at the hands of Plymouth Argyle. Academy alumni Nico O'Reilly won two headers before Kevin De Bruin, the club's most decorated player, finished the resistance.
Plymouth fought to contain the city, so they couldn't do anything more. However, the Premier League champions struggled by the well-drawn pilgrims who are recognized from the two set pieces.
Plymouth has reached it ever since thanks to a 1-0 victory over Premier League leader Liverpool. That afternoon they have only 25% of possession, and in the early stages the milestone will be considered a success. The city can control and pass the ball accurately in front of a green wall, keeping the host somewhat at bay.
In the opening 15 minutes, City had 87% of the ball, but failed to annoy Connor Hazard with the pilgrim goal. Phil Foden was taken away from a wide shot on the post, Ilkai Gündgan bounced the corner, James McAtee's lob had no power and allowed 7,800 fans to enjoy on his trip 280 miles north.
It wasn't surprising that most of the action was on Plymouth Box, considering he sat second in the championship and admitted 68 in 34 league matches. Hazard's initial involvement was to go wisely down to save Goondogan's header towards the bottom corner, but the goalkeeper was the audience watching McKaty steal the inside of the post and safety.
Plymouth needed a penalty to beat Liverpool and they didn't give the impression that they would cause problems from open play. There were some long throws launched into the box by Julio Pleguezuelo, who must have studied art at La Masia and Arsenal's Academy, but they were handled comfortably.
But corners were a different matter. In the 38th minute, Vitor Reis waved a cross in the back, despite Stefan Ortega being behind him and ready to collect. Matthew Solinora looked back at the cross, Tarobielov rose to the highest point and headed towards the corner. Sadly, for Plymouth, on the far end of the ground, it cues the pandemonium on the away edge. This was the third time Argyle has been away from home in all competitions this season.
Taking a lead may not be wise to play for many of the game. Plymouth was frustrated with himself when City equalized from the set piece during the first half injury time. De Bruyne whipped on a free kick of about 30 yards, and academy alumnus O'Reilly did a smart run and flicked to Far Post. The celebration was even more relaxed on this occasion.
Jack Grelish is a player who desperately needs to prove his points in an unforgettable season, and started the second half brightly on the left, causing problems, but no final product. It was a constant battle for Plymouth, and they took energy when they caught up with their counterparts, but have the knowledge that Erling Haaland, Omar Marmoush, Jérémy Doku, and Savinho were waiting on the bench to test their tired feet and hearts.
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Pep Guardiola was unlikely to have been impressed with the opening 45 minutes, and would have requested an increase in tempo seen early on.
Bernardo Silva nearly lifted the city, but Hazard blocked his close-range shot after a rupture from Gündogan, a rare sight since his return from Barcelona.
Rico Lewis had two chances to be equal from roughly the same place. He volleyed from over 12 yards first, then whisked out a second shot with a similar advantage. Guardiola felt that was the point that brought the finisher, and Haaland entered the contest and gave City a target.
The city camped almost entirely in the second half within Plymouth. Hazard made two incredible saves which made me wonder how Haaland and Silva didn't score. Unfortunately for the goalkeeper, the resulting corner was sent to O'Reilly in the back post, nodding for the second home, calming the majority of nerves.
With reduced stamina, Plymouth had little to offer and searching for equalizers never began. City still has a silverware opportunity this season, and they were forced to work to keep the opportunity alive.
