Manchester City
Southampton
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
0.00
Expected Goals (xG)
0.00
Passing by
554 (91%)
Accurate passes
190 (73%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
1
G
James Trafford
7.2
21
d
Rayan Ait-Nouri
7.3
6
d
Nathan Ake
7.0
5
d
John Stones (C)
7.5
27
d
Matthew Nunes
6.6
8
M
Mateo Kovačić
7.3
M
Nico Gonzalez
87′
M
Tijjani Reijnders
82′
47
M
Phil Foden
6.9
10
M
Ryan Cherki
6.9
7
F
Omar Marmoush
6.2
41
G
Daniel Peretz
6.0
34
d
Wellington
7.3
15
d
Nathan Wood
6.7
d
Taylor Harwood-Bellis (C)
90+3′ rough
14
d
James Bree
6.2
18
d
Tom Fellows
6.3
13
M
Science Leo
6.3
20
M
Caspar Jander
7.2
48
M
Cameron Bragg
6.6
11
F
Ross Stewart
6.2
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Manchester City defeated Southampton 2-1 in an FA Cup semi-final at Wembley Stadium, with Jérémy Doku’s second-half brilliance proving decisive in a commanding display of attacking football.
Manchester City dominated possession and chances throughout the game, controlling the pace with their trademark precision passing. Southampton arrived at Wembley looking for an upset but faced a tough test against Pep Guardiola’s side in their bid to reach the FA Cup final.
The first half remained goalless despite City’s territorial advantage. Manchester City created numerous chances, with 70% possession resulting in 13 shots at the interval. Southampton defended resolutely, limiting City to efforts from distance and a half-chance in the box.
Southampton’s defensive form thwarted City’s attacking moves early on. The visitors sat deep and compact, forcing City to work the ball patiently through thirds. However, the pressure grew as the half progressed.
City’s 91% passing accuracy showed their control, completing 554 passes to Southampton’s 190. Despite this dominance, both teams went into half-time level. City needed to find a breakthrough in the second half.
Southampton stunned City by taking the lead in the 79th minute when Finn Azaz finished clinically. The goal came against the route and changed the momentum towards the visitors. City’s defense had broken down and Azaz took the opportunity.
City responded immediately with two goals in a row. Jérémy Doku leveled things just three minutes later in the 82nd minute with a clinical finish. Doku’s performance had been exceptional and he did it when it mattered most.
Nico Gonzalez completed the turnaround in the 87th minute, firing past the Southampton goalkeeper to put City ahead. The introduction of Gonzalez in the second half changed the dynamic, and had an immediate impact. City had turned the game on its head in five minutes.
Doku’s display was excellent, earning a perfect 10.0 rating while contributing a goal and an assist. Gonzalez added a second goal with a composed finish from distance. City’s attacking quality proved too much for Southampton.
City’s stats reflected their dominance: 26 shots in total with six on target, compared to Southampton’s four shots and three on target. The intensity and precision of the home team overwhelmed their opponents in the final phase. Southampton’s defensive efforts were eventually undone by City’s clinical finishing.
Manchester City are through to the FA Cup final after this semi-final win. The win demonstrates his ability to overcome adversity and deliver when the pressure is on. Southampton leave Wembley with a valiant effort against one of England’s elite teams.
