Manchester City produced a dramatic late fightback to reach their fourth successive FA Cup final with a remarkable 2-1 win over Championship side Southampton at Wembley.
Slow-Burner Semi-Final Comes Alive
A slow-burner of a semi-final came alive when Finn Azaz put Southampton on course for a shock victory, curling home a sublime goal with 11 minutes remaining. The Republic of Ireland international received the ball from Kuryu Matsuki outside the area, spun 180 degrees, and fired past James Trafford.
Yet that served only to spark City into action. Substitute Jeremy Doku quickly equalised with a deflected strike before Nico Gonzalez won it with an 87th-minute piledriver.
Southampton's Dreams Dashed
For a few minutes, Southampton dreamt of emulating their 1976 cup heroes by booking a return to the final on the 50th anniversary of that triumph. But it was City's treble quest that remained alive. City won the Carabao Cup on their previous visit to the national stadium last month and will return in May to face Leeds or Chelsea for another trophy.
In the meantime, they will refocus on Premier League action, hoping to keep the pressure on Arsenal at the top of the table.
City's Rusty Start
Mindful of their title bid, City made eight changes from the side that won at Burnley in midweek and looked rusty as a result. That did not stop them from almost making a perfect start as Tijjani Reijnders had a shot pushed onto a post by Daniel Peretz, and Phil Foden's follow-up was hooked off the line, but the flag was raised.
Southampton were also denied by an offside flag after Leo Scienza broke clear and passed the ball into the net. City struggled to break down a disciplined Southampton side, with further chances coming and going as Mateo Kovacic shot wide and Peretz saved with his feet from Omar Marmoush.
Second-Half Pressure
Southampton carried a threat on the break, but Nathan Ake made a good recovery tackle to block Tom Fellows. Ross Stewart got a sight of goal, but Trafford saved comfortably. It was another frustrating afternoon for the out-of-sorts Foden, summed up when he blasted well over and was taken off just before the hour.
Kovacic also made way as Pep Guardiola injected urgency by sending on Savinho and Doku. Savinho was quickly into the action and tested Peretz, while Marmoush could not convert a dangerous ball from Rayan Cherki. City summoned further reinforcements in Erling Haaland and Nico O'Reilly, and in a flurry of chances, Gonzalez, Cherki, and Reijnders all went close.
Azaz's Stunner and City's Response
Just when a City goal was beginning to feel inevitable, Azaz stunned them against the run of play. It was undoubtedly a moment to savour, but Saints' hopes were quickly killed off as City replied instantly. Doku did the damage as he worked his way across the edge of the area before unleashing a shot that deflected in off James Bree.
Within moments, City were celebrating again as Gonzalez rifled a ferocious shot into the top corner. City almost snatched another as Southampton pushed up late on, but Savinho's effort was cleared off the line.
