Guardiola hails Man City’s ‘extraordinary’ response to make FA Cup history

Pep Guardiola hailed Manchester City’s achievement to become the first side to ever reach four consecutive FA Cup finals after a late fight denied Southampton a shock victory at Wembley.

Saints were heading to their first final in 23 years when Finn Azaz’s brilliant finish put the Championship side ahead eleven minutes from time.

However, City hit back immediately through Jeremy Doku before Nico Gonzalez’s sensational strike defeated the semi-final 2-1.

Guardiola’s men have lost their last two FA Cup finals to Crystal Palace and Manchester United. In 2023 they defeated the Red Devils.

City, who play Chelsea or Leeds in the final, now have a good chance of a domestic treble.

MATCH REPORT | Man City battles back to beat Southampton and reach their fourth FA Cup final in a row

Guardiola’s men won the League Cup last month and are locked in a fierce battle for the Premier League title with Arsenal.

«No team has made it to four finals in a row. It’s extraordinary and hopefully we can arrive with good momentum,» Guardiola said.

The City manager’s decision to make eight changes to the side that beat Burnley 1-0 on Wednesday looked misplaced as Southampton enjoyed the best of the first half.

But Guardiola’s side improved significantly after the break and were helped by the introduction of Doku, Erling Haaland and Bernardo Silva from the bench.

“It was difficult but the wingers (Doku and Savinho) changed the pace when they came in,” Guardiola added.

«The first time they crossed the halfway line they scored a fantastic goal. Football is always unpredictable, but the way we played in the second half was extraordinary.»

Published on April 26, 2026