Manchester City came from behind to beat Southampton 2-1 and secure a record fourth consecutive FA Cup final appearance, keeping alive their hopes of a domestic treble.
Pep Guardiola’s side, already winners of the Carabao Cup this season, will return to Wembley on 16 May to face either Chelsea or Leeds United.
After making eight changes from the team that defeated Burnley in midweek, City struggled to find rhythm in a scrappy first half. Omar Marmoush went closest early on, but Southampton goalkeeper Daniel Peretz denied him at the near post.
Southampton thought they had taken the lead before the break when Leo Scienza finished calmly, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
The Championship side continued to threaten after halftime, though Ross Stewart’s effort was comfortably saved by James Trafford. At the other end, substitute Savinho forced Peretz into another strong stop.
The match turned dramatically in the closing stages. Finn Azaz fired Southampton ahead in the 79th minute with a curling strike into the top corner from 20 yards.
City responded two minutes later when Jeremy Doku’s deflected effort found the far corner. With extra time approaching, Nico Gonzalez smashed home the winner to complete the comeback and send Guardiola’s side into another final.
Oluwagbemisola Babalola
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