Manchester City are through to the FA Cup final after defeating Southampton. Nico González’s late goal secured the victory. The win means City are heading to an unprecedented fourth successive FA Cup final.
Late Drama Secures Victory
Southampton took the lead through Finn Azaz’s 79th-minute strike. Jérémy Doku equalised just three minutes later. González then scored a long-range winner in the 87th minute.
Guardiola praised his players after the game. He noted the number of chances his team created in the second half. He also acknowledged the quality of Azaz’s goal for Southampton. “What a goal,” he said.
FA Cup Final Date Confirmed
Manchester City will play the winner of Sunday’s semi-final between Chelsea and Leeds in the final on 16 May.
Guardiola Eyes Premier League Focus
Attention now turns to the Premier League for Guardiola’s side. After Arsenal’s win over Newcastle, City are second. They sit three points behind the north London team. They have two games fewer than Arsenal.
Guardiola is treating their remaining league fixtures with the same importance as a cup final. “Now six cup finals,” Guardiola said, including the FA Cup.
“Six games, every game we win in the league, we’ll be there – if we lose, it’s over and of course we have the other one – the Cup final.
Southampton Reflect on Defeat
Tonda Eckert, the Southampton manager, was disappointed with the result. He said that his team controlled most moments very well. He also pointed out that it is rare to lose against City from two goals outside the box.
Eckert is now focused on their upcoming match against Ipswich. Victory would take his side to 79 points, one behind their opponents.
Guardiola said they will now rest and prepare for these five games in the league and the Cup final.