Manchester City will face either Chelsea or Leeds United in the FA Cup final after a dramatic 2-1 semi-final win over Southampton at Wembley Stadium.
Pep Guardiola’s side looked destined for disappointment when Finn Azaz struck late to give the Championship club a shock lead. Instead, City produced a stunning late turnaround as Jeremy Doku levelled before Nico Gonzalez blasted home the winner in the closing minutes.
The result sends City into a record fourth consecutive FA Cup final and keeps alive hopes of a second trophy this season after their Carabao Cup triumph against Arsenal.
City dominated long spells but struggled to turn pressure into goals early on. The Premier League champions hit the post, forced several saves and had a Southampton effort ruled out for offside before the break. Despite their control, the breakthrough would not come.
Southampton, unbeaten in 20 matches, remained dangerous and stunned Wembley when Azaz fired home from a distance to spark wild celebrations among the Saints supporters.
City responded instantly. Doku’s fierce drive took a deflection off James Bree and flew past the goalkeeper to restore parity. Moments later, Gonzalez completed the comeback with a thunderous strike from range that sealed City’s place in another Wembley showpiece.
Guardiola now prepares for his 24th Wembley appearance in 10 years as City await the winner of Sunday’s semi-final between Chelsea and Leeds United.
