Pep Guardiola said that the FA Cup fear of Manchester City to Leyton Orient was an example of the magic that makes the competition “incredible”.
City had to come from a goal to seal their progression to the fifth round after Jamie Donley's amazing effort from the bottom of the bar and in Stefan Ortega bounced.
Replacers Abdukodir Khusanov and Kevin De Bruyne struck after the break to confirm an important victory in front of Guardiola, who are taking on Real Madrid in the play-offs of the Champions League-Knock-Out stage thereafter.
Although they are completely pushed, the citizens have now won their last 18 FA Cup matches against parties of a lower division, score 69 goals and admitted nine.
“We played a really good game, it was a typical FA Cup game – that's why this competition is incredible,” Guardiola told BBC Sport.
“We knew they were strong and they would run in the channels. They are a fantastic team and incredibly well managed, but we have created many opportunities. I am happy to continue.”
The determining moment in the game came in the 79th minute when De Bruyne de Pas collected from Jack Grealishe before he stuck the ball past Josh Keeley.
De Bruyne has now been involved in 25 goals in his last 24 performances in the FA Cup, scored eight and assists 17.
Guardiola was asked if he was irritated that he had to trust his quality in reserve to fight past the competition dog.
“Absolutely not, that's why they are here. We take this competition incredibly seriously and we thought it was the best decision to make,” Guardiola added.
“I am happy with the goal of Kevin, his movement was really good.”
26 – Since his debut in the competition in January 2016, no player has been involved in more goals in the FA Cup Pronk than Kevin De Bruyne (26 – 9 goals, 17 assists). Magic. pic.twitter.com/1bhetvpabe
– Optajoe (@Optajoe) February 8, 2025
Phil Foden, John Stones and Bernardo Silva were some of the players introduced against Orient, despite a collision with the Blancos of Carlo Ancelotti on Tuesday.
The citizens have passed an indifferent campaign so far and have to win their last game against Club Brugge to reach the knock -out phase of the Champions League.
The side of Guardiola is also in fifth place in the Premier League, two points on drift of the top four and another 15 behind leaders Liverpool, who also have a match in hand.
But Rico Lewis, whose shot Khusanov bend for the equalizer, believes that with Guardiola at the helm the city can still have a special season.
“He [Pep Guardiola] Was not gone crazy or something. He knew we had created opportunities, and it is about an environment like this, “Lewis told BBC Sport.
“The honor of Leyton Orient, they have made it difficult for us to play. It is easy to say that it is harder than you think, but we all know that they are difficult. The crowd is entitled to it.
“It is Man City at the end of the day, the demands are so high. There is enough leadership in this team. Starting to defense is difficult, there is a lot of ground to cover.
“The season did not postpone how we wanted it. Every game now, as long as we win, it can be a great season for us.
“Everyone wants us to be defeated, apart from city fans, of course.
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