Four-star Man City Set Up Potential FA Cup Semi Against Liverpool
By AFP
Manchester City finally got the better of Southampton at the third attempt this season with a 4-1 win to set up a potential FA Cup semi-final against Liverpool.
City is aiming to match Manchester United’s historic feat in 1998/99 of winning the treble of Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup, while Liverpool is aiming to go one better by adding those three trophies to the League Cup they won in February.
Pep Guardiola’s men’s bid to retain their Premier League title has been hindered by two draws against the Saints and Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men held their own again for an hour at St. Mary’s.
“We started really well and then we forgot to play,” said Guardiola. “We know it’s so difficult because Southampton are one of the best organised teams.
“The second half was much better. We showed more personality.”
Adam Armstrong nearly made the most of a rare start when he hit the post early on for the home side.
But just seconds later Raheem Sterling opened the scoring with a cool finish from Gabriel Jesus’ pass.
Ilkay Gundogan then hit the woodwork, but Southampton got the equaliser their first-half performance deserved when Aymeric Laporte deflected Mohamed Elyounoussi’s cross into his own net.
With the tie delicately poised, the Saints’ good work was undone when Mohammed Salisu needlessly dived in on Jesus to concede a penalty.
Fraser Forster got a hand to Kevin De Bruyne’s spot-kick but could not keep it out.
City’s strength in depth off the bench then took the game away from the hosts as substitutes Phil Foden and Riyad Mahrez produced lethal finishes to give the scoreline a harsh reflection on Southampton.
