Manchester City 2-1 Southampton: City reach record-breaking final
Manchester City 2-1 Southampton: City reach record-breaking final Manchester City had to fight hard for their spot in this year’s FA Cup final, with a late winner from Nico González the evntual difference between City and Southampton. The Saints took the lead with just ten minutes left on the clock, when Finn Azaz picked out the top corner. However, a quick-fire double from City was like a dagger through Southampton hearts, bringing their 20-game unbeaten run to an end.
As It Happened Pep Guardiola fielded a heavily rotated side this afternoon, making eight changes from the side that beat Burnley 1-0 on Wednesday night. Meanwhile, Southampton made just six changes from their midweek draw with Bristol City, but just one from their team that knocked out Arsenal in the last round, that being Welington replacing Ryan Manning. Manchester City struck the post in the early stages, but had it gone in, it wouldn’t have counted anyway, as Omar Marmoush was caught offside in the build-up.
Leo Scienza had the ball in the net for Southampton in the 11th minute, but he too was ruled offside. Daniel Peretz was called into action for the first time this afternoon, just after the half-hour mark, denying Marmoush, who had broken through the Southampton defence. Tijani Reijnders attempted a bicycle kick moments later, which certainly didn’t trouble Peretz.
A lengthy break in play followed to allow Matheus Nunes to receive medical treatment after he went down off the ball. The Portuguese international was able to continue for the remainder of the half, as the players went in goalless. The Saints started the second half strong, with Tom Fellows bursting into the City box, but he was tackled by Nathan Aké before he could get his shot away.
Ross Stewart was next in line to try and break the deadlock; however, his curling effort was comfortably saved by James Trafford before Nunes and Rayan Cherki both saw shots blocked at the other end. Guardiola turned to his bench shortly before the 60th minute, with Jérémy Doku and Savinho replacing Phil Foden and Mateo Kovacic. Reijnders took on a strike from the edge of the box minutes later, which curled narrowly wide of the post.