Entering the FA Cup semi-final with the goal of getting closer to the domestic treble, Manchester City proactively pushed up the squad from the first minutes. However, Pep Guardiola's team faced fierce resistance from Southampton.
In the 5th minute, Man City almost had the opening goal when Reijnders shot the ball to the Southampton goalkeeper's hand and then went right to the post. The game became more dramatic in the 9th minute when Marmoush headed into Southampton's net, but the referee disallowed the goal due to offside.
Just 2 minutes later, the Egyptian striker missed another golden opportunity in a one-on-one situation with the opponent's goalkeeper. The first half ended without any goals being scored.
In the second half, Southampton showed that they were not easily intimidated when they organized a tight defense and waited for counter-attack opportunities, causing The Citizens to be confused many times.
In the 79th minute, from a left-wing combination into Southampton's center, Azaz received the ball before turning around and finishing with class, making James Trafford helpless to watch the ball go into the net, opening the score for Southampton.
Immediately after that, 3 minutes later, Man City immediately responded. Doku shot close to the penalty area, the ball touched a Southampton player's foot and bounced into the net.
In the 87th minute, Nico Gonzalez took a powerful long-range shot, the ball went powerfully like a line before hitting the Southampton net. This beautiful goal sealed the score 2-1 for the match.
The hard-fought victory helps Man City get closer to the goal of seizing domestic titles this season. Now, all eyes of Manchester fans will be on the remaining semi-final between Chelsea and Leeds to determine their final opponent.
