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City secure late win to advance to FA Cup final
Manchester City overcame Championship side Southampton with two late goals to reach a record fourth consecutive FA Cup final, keeping their treble hopes alive. The victory at Wembley on Saturday (16 May) came after a tense semi-final that saw Pep Guardiola's side trailing until the 85th minute.
From turmoil to treble chase
Twelve months ago, City faced a trophyless season for the first time since 2017. This year, Guardiola has rebuilt the squad, already securing the Carabao Cup and remaining in contention for both the Premier League and FA Cup. The Spaniard downplayed treble talk, calling the prospect "far, far away" but acknowledged the team's resilience.
"Before the final game against Aston Villa, we will see if there is a chance," Guardiola said. "Now, the players need rest. The season starts with five games and an FA Cup final."
Late drama rescues City
Southampton threatened an upset until Jeremy Doku and Nico Gonzalez scored in the final minutes to seal City's 2-1 victory. The win marked Guardiola's 45th FA Cup triumph in 53 matches-a record 85% win rate for any manager with significant games in the competition's history.
"It's been a really important week. We're alive in the league and in another final,"
Nico Gonzalez, Manchester City midfielder
Doku, the first Belgian to score in an FA Cup semi-final since Eden Hazard in 2017, added: "Every time you reach the final, you're like, 'Wow, what a journey.'"
Premier League race remains tight
City briefly topped the table after a midweek win at Burnley but slipped back to second after Arsenal's victory over Newcastle. Guardiola admitted the title race is far from over, with six critical matches in 21 days starting with a trip to Everton on Monday (4 May).
"Six games-if we win, we will be there; if we lose, it's over," Guardiola said. "People ask how to define City. Five Carabao Cups and four FA Cup finals in a row say it all."
Rebuild pays off
After a shaky start to the season-including two early defeats and three consecutive draws in January-City's young squad has hit form at the right time. Key departures like Kevin De Bruyne and Jack Grealish raised doubts, but the team now stands as favorites for the FA Cup and remains in the hunt for the Premier League.
"When it looked like Manchester City were down and out, they found it from somewhere. That's what champions do,"
Micah Richards, former City defender
What's next
City's final opponents will be either Chelsea or Leeds United. Guardiola emphasized the need for preparation and momentum ahead of the showdown, calling the upcoming fixtures "a tough week mentally and physically."
