Manchester City booked a place in a record fourth consecutive FA Cup final with a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over Southampton FC at Wembley.
Pep Guardiola’s side looked set for elimination when Championship outfit Southampton took a shock lead late on through Finn Azaz, who fired a superb strike into the top corner in the 79th minute.
However, City responded swiftly. Jérémy Doku levelled with a deflected effort from the edge of the box before Nico González completed the turnaround with a stunning long-range winner three minutes from time.
The victory sends City into the final on 16 May, where they will face either Leeds United or Chelsea FC.
“No team has made four finals in a row. It’s extraordinary,” said manager Pep Guardiola. “Hopefully we can carry good momentum into the final.”
Guardiola rotated heavily, making eight changes from the side that beat Burnley FC in the Premier League, and City struggled to find rhythm in the first half. Southampton initially had the ball in the net through Leo Scienza, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
City improved after the break, especially following the introduction of key players including Erling Haaland, Doku and Savinho. Despite mounting pressure, they were caught out by Southampton’s rare attacking move that led to Azaz’s opener.
But the Saints, who had been on a 20-match unbeaten run and had earlier knocked out Arsenal FC, could not hold their lead.
