Teenager Nico O’Reilly’s brace inspired Manchester City to a 3-1 win over Plymouth in the FA Cup fifth round on Saturday, after conceding an early goal against the second-tier outfit. Languishing in the Championship relegation zone, Plymouth had stunned Premier League leaders Liverpool in the fourth round after beating top-flight side Brentford in the third round.

Pep Guardiola’s men were in danger of becoming Plymouth’s latest famous scalp when Maksym Talovierov gave the visitors the lead in the first half at the Etihad Stadium. But Manchester-born O’Reilly, making just his sixth start for City, emerged as the unlikely hero with a brace that ensured his troubled team would avoid their lowest moment in a turbulent season. Kevin De Bruyne was also on target for City, who are hoping FA Cup glory can save them from a season without silverware.