- Man City reach their fourth FA Cup final in a row
- Guardiola over the moon after making comeback
- Pleased with two players performances at Wembley
Pep Guardiola’s side have reached a fourth FA Cup final in a row following their 2-1 win over Southampton at Wembley. It was a nervous final 15 minutes for the Cityzens after going behind, but goals from Jeremy Doku and Nico Gonzalez completed their comeback.
The Spanish manager spoke with the BBC after the game, where he spoke highly about the second-half performance and how his team made an unbelievable comeback.
He said, “It was just extraordinary the second half, but football has incredible surprises; the first time they crossed the halfway they made a fantastic goal. And after that, one shot deflected to equalise, and after what a second goal from Nico!”
They will turn their attention back to the Premier League to maintain their domestic treble dreams, but they will be happy to know they will return to Wembley in May.
‘I wanted to kill him’
While the game was level, the atmosphere inside the ground was tense from both ends of the stadium, but it was City who had their opponent pinned back.
As the ball broke to Gonzalez, his sweet strike crashed into the Southampton net, sending the Sky Blues supporters wild after what looked to be a disappointing evening.
His manager spoke about the role he’s had to do this season, and how he hopes this goal can be a pivotal moment for him.
“He deserves it because he made an incredible season, replacing Rodri is not easy. He’s a guy who has to believe in himself more, ‘I can do more, be more active.’
“Sometimes he plays to be safe, and the initiative with the goal, that’s the mentality he has to play with as a holding midfielder! He’s a top guy.”
After taking the lead, City’s manager was involved in a conversation with Tijjani Reijnders.
Many wondered what conversations were taking place between the pair, though Guardiola clarified that his exchange was playful praise rather than frustration.
“I said I wanted to kill him because of how good he played, that is what I said.
“Tijani is another guy who hasn’t played in the last games and played really good (today), two or three chances.”
Man City domestic treble still on
The win for City means a place at Wembley is secured once again, and the end of the season is set to be a great one for any Cityzen.
The Sky Blues have a great chance of matching their feat in 2019, where they won the domestic treble. Right now, the hardest one to win will be the Premier League, with Guardiola’s side embroiled in a battle with Arsenal.
Today, the strength in their squad was on display, with someone like Reijjnders, who had missed their previous three league games.
At the end of the season, the 55-year-old will be hoping to lift two more trophies and will want more performances from the players who made an impact today to help drive one final push for silverware.
