Man City player ratings against Southampton: Pep Guardiola's second string survives a terrifying FA Cup semi-final scare thanks to goals from Nico Gonzalez and deadly Jeremy Doku, who keep treble chances alive
Manchester City overcame an overwhelming scare to defeat Southampton 2-1 on Saturday and go to the FA Cup final for the fourth straight year thanks to a late screamer from Nico Gonzalez. The Championship team enjoyed an unusual lead thanks to Finn Azaz's stunning curler, but Jeremy Doku's deflected equalizer quickly restored parity before Gonzalez's spectacular finish.
Pep Guardiola's team took the game by the scruff of the neck and did everything in their power to open the score after a first half that literally put two City supporters to sleep while they watched on television. However, Southampton gained an unexpected lead in the 79th minute thanks to a fantastic long-range curler from Ireland international Azaz after the unfortunate Omar Marmoush and replacement Savinho came close.
However, Doku, who had been probing since coming off the bench, cut inside and unleashed a shot toward goal that ricocheted off defender James Bree and settled into the far bottom corner, ending the Saints' three-minute celebration.
However, Doku, who had been probing since coming off the bench, cut inside and unleashed a shot toward goal that ricocheted off defender James Bree and settled into the far bottom corner, ending the Saints' three-minute celebration.
Defense and Goalkeeping
Trafford, James (7/10):
had very little to do, and he was unable to stop Azaz's curler. After the equalizer, he made a vital finger-tip save to block Matsuki's strong effort.
Nunes Matheus (6/10):
battled through an injury scare and put on a strong performance.
John Stones (7/10):
In what might be his final City match at Wembley, he put up an outstanding performance considering how long he had been sidelined due to injury.
Ake Nathan (6/10):
In what might be his final appearance wearing a City shirt, another player stood tall.
Ait-Nouri Rayan (5/10):
didn't get far enough before Guardiola summoned O'Reilly.
didn't get far enough before Guardiola summoned O'Reilly.
The midfield
Phil Foden (5/10):
wasted the chance to make his first start for City since early March, posing little threat before being removed in the 58th minute.
Marmoush Omar (6/10):
After missing the penalty in the previous year's final, another dismal performance at Wembley. had a few flashes of brilliance, but every time he avoided the offside trap, he either misfired or made the incorrect pass.
Cherki Rayan (6/10):
Although he did loose the ball that allowed Southampton to score, he was City's greatest threat prior to Doku's arrival.
Gonzalez Nico (7/10):
steadily gained experience in the game before launching an incredibly powerful blow that could win any match.
Reijnders Tijjani (6/10):
One more player who didn't really take a chance. struck the post during the first half, but the play was offside.
Mateo Kovacic (6 out of 10):
Before being taken out along with Foden, he was in charge of a few good scenes.
Attack
Phil Foden (5/10):
wasted the chance to make his first start for City since early March, posing little threat before being removed in the 58th minute.
Marmoush Omar (6/10):
After missing the penalty in the previous year's final, another dismal performance at Wembley. had a few flashes of brilliance, but every time he avoided the offside trap, he either misfired or made the incorrect pass.
Cherki Rayan (6/10):
Although he did loose the ball that allowed Southampton to score, he was City's greatest threat prior to Doku's arrival.