City survive scare to reach FA Cup final
Manchester City 2 - 1 Southampton
Manchester City avoided an FA Cup upset, coming from behind to edge past Southampton and book a place in a fourth consecutive final, sustaining their pursuit of a domestic treble.
Stadium | Wembley Stadium
Pep Guardiola’s side have already secured the Carabao Cup this season and will return to Wembley on Saturday 16 May, where they are likely to start as strong favourites against either Chelsea or Leeds United.
Guardiola made eight changes from the team that overcame Burnley in midweek, but a much-altered City side struggled for fluency in a disjointed opening period, creating little of note.
Omar Marmoush went closest before the break, his effort at the near post denied by the feet of Southampton goalkeeper Daniel Peretz. At the other end, Saints thought they had taken the lead when Leo Scienza finished calmly, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.
Southampton registered their first shot on target 10 minutes into the second half, Ross Stewart’s effort comfortably gathered by James Trafford. City responded through substitute Savinho, whose curling strike was turned away by Peretz.
The tie sprang to life with 11 minutes remaining
Finn Azaz bent a superb effort into the top corner from 20 yards, prompting celebrations among the Southampton support. Their lead, however, lasted barely two minutes, as Jeremy Doku’s deflected effort found its way into the far corner.
With extra time approaching, Nico González delivered the decisive moment, driving a powerful finish beyond Peretz to complete the turnaround and keep City on course for a third FA Cup triumph under Guardiola.
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