This evening we welcome Pep Guardiola and his Manchester City squad for the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.
We know all about the qualities that City have in their ranks, and the two teams met in the Premier League in late November. You have to hit your very best levels to achieve a positive result against Pep’s teams, as we did that day, and we’ll need to be the best version of ourselves once again tonight.
Our last match against Bournemouth in the third round of the FA Cup followed a similar theme to the previous game again Leeds United in terms of drama.
We started the match on the front foot and created plenty of chances without managing to take one. When Bournemouth did threaten, I felt we defended well as a unit and if anything, we were disappointed not to have more to show for our efforts at half time.
We started the second half equally well and made the breakthrough soon after when Harvey Barnes gave us the lead.
Bournemouth are always dangerous on the break and found a way back into the game soon after, and within a few minutes they took the lead.
This was a big test for us and the players response to the setback was once again excellent.
We stayed calm, waited for our opportunity and equalised with virtually the last kick of normal time when Anthony Gordon scored from the penalty spot.
While another 30 minutes wasn’t what we would ideally want with such a busy schedule, in that moment it was a big goal for us, and with almost the last kick of extra time, another late goal from Harvey looked to have won it for us.
No game is ever over until the final whistle, and in the dying seconds, Bournemouth scored a goal to send the tie to a penalty shoot-out.
Again, questions were asked of our character given how late we conceded, and again the players gave the perfect answer.
It took seven penalties to eventually win, and we were indebted to Aaron Ramsdale whose three saves helped us to secure our place in the fourth round of the competition.
Two incredible games, more momentum gained, and yet another example of a dressing room full of character, who are collectively determined to achieve success for the club and never give up trying to do so.
These are very good signs for us, and qualities we will need to continue to show as we compete across four competitions. It is a big challenge for the whole squad and coaching staff, but one we absolutely relish.
Thank you for once again staying with us against Bournemouth and creating the environment in which we could find a way to win. We will need just as much support tonight as we aim to take a step closer to returning to Wembley and achieving more success in a competition we love so much.
Eddie Howe
