Player Reviews: De Bruyne beats late to secure the FA Cup gains for Manchester City

Manchester City was made to work far harder than expected for their place in the FA Cup fifth round, overcoming a lively Leyton Orient page 2-1 at Brisbane Road. Despite having field a strong set -up, Pep Guardiola’s side got a scare of their league an opponents showing resilience, discipline and moments of individual brilliance that believed their underdog status.

While City eventually came victorious, thanks to the goals of Rico Lewis and Kevin De Bruyne, the meeting served as a timely reminder of FA Cup’s lasting magic – where even the most formidable pages can find themselves tested by teams several layers below.

Early shock like Leyton Orient Stun City

The FA Cup has long been a breeding ground for giant-killing tales, and Leyton Orient added almost another chapter to the great story. The home crowd was sent to Raptures in the first half when Jamie Donley’s bold long -range lob clapped against the crossbar and rebounded the city’s goalkeeper Stefan Ortega and into the net. While officially registered as its own goal, Donley’s vision and execution deserved plaudits.

City, uncharacteristically rattled, struggled to impose their usual rhythm. Bernardo Silva came closest to smoothing the scoring before the break, but Donley was again the hero of Orient and cleared the Portuguese midfielder efforts from the line. Omar Marmoush also tested Orient’s goalkeeper Josh Keeley, but League One side held on and took a surprising 1-0 lead into the interval.

The city’s answers and de Bruyne’s rescue act

After the break, Manchester City’s superior quality began to tell. Just ten minutes into the second half, Rico Lewis’s speculative efforts from Distance took a lucky deflection from replacement Abdukodir Khusanov, wrong foot cooling and brought the visitors to visitors.

The city continued to press, with James McATEE, who beat the post, as the pressure fitted. However, it was Kevin de Bruyne who was introduced in the 72nd minute that eventually spared the city’s redness. The Belgian Maestro locked on a perfectly weighted through ball from Jack Grealish, who delicately stood past Keeley to give the city the lead with just minutes back.

Although not as comfortable as Guardiola would have wished, especially with a Champions League clash against Real Madrid on the horizon, the city’s ability to dig deep and safe victory demonstrated their resilience.

Leyton Orient orlov with heads held high

As the city progressed, Leyton Orient came up from the competition with huge credit. Their defensive organization combined with moments of individual brilliance made life uncomfortable for the Premier League champions. Donley’s performance, both in attack and defense, marked Orient’s lively approach.

City may have secured their place in the FA Cup fifth round, but Leyton Orient’s display ensured that they left Brisbane Road with their heads that were held high after giving one of the world’s best teams a real scared.

Player assessments

Manchester City

• GK: Stefan Ortega – 7.0/10

• RB: Rico Lewis – 8.2/10

• CB: Vitorer Reis – 6.7/10

• CB: RUBEN DIAS – 6.7/10

• LB: Nico O’Reilly – 7.6/10

• DM: Nico Gonzalez – 5.9/10

• DM: Ilkay Gundogan – 7.9/10

• RW: Savinho – 7.1/10

• Am: James McATEE – 6.8/10

• LW: Jack Grealish – 8.1/10

• St: Omar Marmoush – 7.5/10

Substituts:

• Bernardo Silva (22 ′ for Gonzalez) – 6.6/10

• John Stones (46 ′ for Dias) – 6.6/10

• Abdukodir Khusanov (46 ′ for Reis) – 7.7/10

• Kevin de Bruyne (72 ′ for O’Reilly) – 7.1/10

• Phil foot (72 ′ for Mcatee) – 6.1/10

Manager: Pep Guardiola – 7.5/10