Manchester, Feb 8: Manchester City survived a major scare in their FA Cup clash against Leyton Orient, battling back from a goal down to win 2-1 and progress to the fifth round at Brisbane Road here on Saturday.
The home side took a shock lead in the 16th minute in dramatic fashion when a long-range chip from Jamie Donley, following a loose ball, clipped the crossbar, bounced off City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega Moreno, and crossed the line.
In the build up to the goal, new signing Nico Gonzalez had to be substituted with what looked like a back problem raising major concerns for Guardiola.
Leyton Orient, the League One side, put up a fearless display, pressing high and unsettling City, especially in the first half. The early pressure saw City struggle to settle, and despite having an early chance to take the lead, with Ilkay Gundogan missing a great opportunity, they found themselves behind after the bizarre own goal.
Pep Guardiola’s men gradually began to find their rhythm after the break, and a stroke of fortune helped them equalize in the 57th minute. A shot from Rico Lewis glanced off Abdukodir Khusanov’s head, wrong-footing Orient keeper Josh Keeley and giving City a crucial equalizer.
The young Uzbek had his share of luck after a mistake on debut against Chelsea, and this goal was a redemption moment for him. (IANS)
