- Jamie Donley’s effort from distance for Leyton Orient went in off Stefan Ortega
- Pep Guardiola hailed Donley’s strike and said he was deserving of all the praise
- LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off! Does the Premier League REALLY need to look at goal celebrations?
Pep Guardiola applauded an FA Cup wonder strike as nervy Manchester City survived an almighty scare at Leyton Orient.
Guardiola stood and admired Jamie Donley’s audacious 50-yard effort, which cannoned off the crossbar and in off stunned keeper Stefan Ortega, to give the League One minnows a shock first-half lead.
It went down as an own goal but the City boss – whose side hit back to win 2-1 – was adamant 20-year-old Tottenham loanee Donley should milk all the praise going.
‘What a goal,’ beamed the City boss. ‘So assured. When you concede this goal, you can only congratulate the guy. He’s an incredible left-footed player and scored a fantastic goal.’
It was another anxious day for Guardiola whose City side had trailed for 40 minutes before goals from Abdukodir Khusanov and Kevin de Bruyne swung the tie.
‘Our position is a little unstable – that’s why these results make me so happy and so proud,’ he added.
City named the likes of Ruben Dias, Ilkay Gundogan, Savinho, Jack Grealish and Omar Marmoush in the starting lineup against Orient.
The hosts managed to maintain their lead until half time as they looked to pull off an incredible cup shock against City.
Orient have enjoyed an eventful run in the FA Cup this season.
Richie Wellens’ side beat Boreham Wood on penalties in the first round before overcoming Oldham Athletic in extra-time in the second round, with goalkeeper Josh Keeley having scored a late equaliser in normal time.
They then required penalties to get the better of Derby County.
Donley was making his 31st appearance of his loan spell at Orient as he scored his sixth goal for the club. He has also provided six assists this season.
City went into the game looking to return to winning ways after their 5-1 defeat to Arsenal in the Premier League last weekend.
Following their game against Orient, City will turn their attention to next week’s Champions League play-off round clash at home to Real Madrid.
