Manchester City don book dia place for FA Cup final after beating Southampton 2-1 for Wembley on Saturday. Na sweet victory for Pep Guardiola men, but e no come easy.
For first 78 minutes, both teams dey struggle to score. City get more chances, but Southampton defense hold strong. Then, against run of play, Southampton score for 78th minute. Finn Azaz pick ball for midfield, turn, and fire a right-foot shot from outside box wey beat James Trafford for 1-0.
But City no gree give up. Jeremy Doku, wey come in for 59th minute, carry ball from left to right and shoot. E take deflection off a defender and enter net for 1-1 for 81st minute. Just two minutes later, Nico González send a rocket from long range wey burst into net for 2-1. That goal secure victory for City.
Now City go face winner of Chelsea vs Leeds for FA Cup final on May 16. Dem still dey chase Premier League title, dey three points behind Arsenal with one game in hand.
Pep Guardiola talk say e no dey think about records or numbers, but about how entertaining dem be. E also praise club for freezing season ticket prices, saying fans important for business.
For team news, Rodri no fit play because of injury. Guardiola make changes to starting lineup because of busy schedule, resting Erling Haaland and Gianluigi Donnarumma for bench. James Trafford start as goalkeeper for FA Cup.
First half get two disallowed goals for offside: Tijani Reijnders hit post and Leo Scienza score but no count. City only get few chances, Mateo Kovacic shoot wide and Omar Marmoush shot saved.
Second half, City come out stronger. Doku and Savinho add speed. Chances come plenty: Reijnders shot miss, Marmoush header go over, and Savinho shot saved. Southampton score against run of play, but City respond quick. After Doku equalizer, Matsuki force save from Trafford. Then Nico Gonzalez long-range strike settle match.
Southampton, wey dey Championship, eliminate Arsenal for quarterfinals but no fit hold on here. City show champion spirit to come back and win.
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