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Man City Rally Late to Beat Southampton, Reach FA Cup Final


Manchester City staged a late comeback to beat Southampton and book a place in the FA Cup final on Saturday, keeping their domestic treble ambitions firmly intact.

Pep Guardiola’s side came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory over the Championship outfit, sealing a record fourth consecutive FA Cup final appearance. 

Already crowned Carabao Cup winners this season, City will return to Wembley on 16 May to face either Chelsea or Leeds United.

City, who made eight changes from the team that defeated Burnley in midweek, lacked fluency during a scrappy first half. 

Omar Marmoush came closest to opening the scoring, but Southampton goalkeeper Daniel Peretz reacted sharply to block his effort at the near post.

Southampton thought they had gone ahead shortly before the interval when Leo Scienza finished confidently, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside after a brief check.

READ ALSO: Arsenal Edge Newcastle to Reclaim Premier League Top Spot

The underdogs continued to pose problems after the restart. 

Ross Stewart forced a routine save from James Trafford, while at the other end substitute Savinho tested Peretz with a powerful effort that was pushed clear.

The tie swung dramatically in the closing stages when Finn Azaz gave Southampton a deserved lead in the 79th minute, curling a precise strike into the top corner from 20 yards.

City responded almost immediately but Jeremy Doku’s low effort took a decisive deflection and crept into the far corner to restore parity. 

As extra time loomed, Nico Gonzalez completed the turnaround, thumping home the winner to underline City’s dominance in domestic cup competition.

For Guardiola and Manchester City, the victory keeps alive the prospect of another historic season, while Southampton will reflect on a performance that pushed one of Europe’s elite sides to the limit.

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