Manchester City edged Championship strugglers Plymouth in the FA Cup to continue their quest for silverware this season.
City made 11 changes and fell behind in the first half against the run of play. But they were level before the break as Nico O'Reilly headed in Kevin De Bruyne's cross in injury time.
De Bruyne set up O'Reilly again in the second half to put City in front and the Belgian was on the scoreline before the end, netting from Erling Haaland's unselfish pass. These are the moments you might have missed
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Guardiola praise and Gundogan caution
Vitor Reis has had to wait patiently over the last month while fellow January arrival Abdukodir Khusanov stole the headlines and minutes. Reis was omitted from the Champions League squad as the extra man, and had only 45 minutes to his name at Leyton Orient.
Recalled vs Plymouth as Khusanov was rested, Reis was making up for lost time and looked energetic, enthusiastic and comfortable on the ball. When he came across to bail Bernardo Silva out of trouble and stop a counter attack, Pep Guardiola had his hands above his head in applause before holding one out for Reis to high five as he ran past.
Stefan Ortega was offering a high five soon after, but it wasn't in the same circumstances. Reis had done well to slide and block a dangerous cross for a corner, but Ortega was waiting to collect with nobody around and Reis didn't need to intervene. Ilkay Gundogan had his hands up in frustration as it was a needless opportunity for the visitors - punished when Maxi Talovyerov headed in the set piece with Reis stranded.
His home debut was full of promise and Guardiola liked certain aspects of what he saw. However it was also scattered with mistakes borne out of over-enthusiasm that will disappear with time.
Etihad respond to De Bruyne
It's been a difficult season for De Bruyne and looks increasingly like it could be his last at City. Instead of being rested for the visit of a Championship side in the FA Cup, he was the one letting others put their feet up.
But instead of letting that drop in status affect his performance, De Bruyne stood up. It wasn't perfect by any means and he may not keep his spot at Nottingham Forest, but he sent in two wonderful balls for Nico O'Reilly to take the game away from Plymouth and deserved his late goal to seal the win.
When he scored, the Etihad rose to sing his name loudly and proudly. Whatever happens with his future after this season, the fans will always appreciate his contributions. And he could yet lift another FA Cup before making his contract decision.
Speedy City
As City looked for a second goal to avoid extra-time, Haaland's introduction also came with an instruction to speed things up. De Bruyne had been wandering over to take corners, now he was running, with Jack Grealish quicker to meet him for a quick pass to try and catch Plymouth unprepared.
One such corner saw De Bruyne almost score an inventive strike at the near post as he feigned to cross. Another chance came as Haaland raced after a ball that was going out to throw it to De Bruyne to re-start as soon as he could. Nico Gonzalez, warming up on the sidelines, did the same to return a ball to his closest teammate.
Guardiola got in on the act when a pass came his way for a throw-in and the tactics seemed to work as suddenly chances were coming a lot easier. Plymouth's subs were visibly shattered as they were taken, and City just got the game started faster.
They didn't stop to complain too much for a penalty shout, or to wonder just how Bernardo missed from close range, and got their reward when Nico O'Reilly got his second goal from a corner.
Rodri back on Etihad pitch
Those City fans who stayed in on Friday night out of sheer excitement for this cup tie will have seen a clip of Rodri stepping up his recovery with a personal City training session at the CFA. He was put through his paces with some fitness drills to raise hopes that he is progressing well on his return from his ACL injury.
And then the midfielder was curiously the first out to warm up against Plymouth, despite being in a casual tracksuit and big black coat. He wasn't in the squad, yet he's been around the group for some time now and this was another involvement in the pre-match preparations.
Rodri chatted with coaches Juanma Lillo and Carlos Vicens before walking to get a spare ball and practicing kick-ups and then passing it from foot to foot. He watched the warm-ups intently and headed back down the tunnel with the team.
Guardiola raised hopes by saying he was 'close' to returning, but he is still thought to be some way off a full return to action. Still, seeing Rodri back on the Etihad pitch with a ball at his feet, itching to be involved, is a welcome sight.
