Pep Guardiola hails 'extraordinary' achievement as Man City make FA Cup history

Southampton appeared set for their initial final appearance in over two decades after Finn Azaz delivered an outstanding goal that gave the second-tier team a lead with just 11 minutes remaining.

Manchester City responded swiftly via Jeremy Doku's effort, followed by Nico Gonzalez's stunning shot that secured a 2-1 victory in the semi-final.

Guardiola's squad suffered defeats in their previous two FA Cup finals against Crystal Palace and Manchester United, although they triumphed over the latter in 2023.

With an upcoming final against either Chelsea or Leeds, City remain strong favourites for a clean sweep of domestic honours.

Guardiola's team claimed the League Cup earlier this month and continue to compete fiercely with Arsenal for the Premier League crown.

"No side has reached four consecutive finals before. It is remarkable, and we hope to build solid form leading into it," Guardiola commented.

The City boss's choice to rotate eight players from the lineup that defeated Burnley 1-0 midweek seemed questionable, especially as Southampton dominated the opening period.

However, Guardiola's players elevated their performance post-interval, boosted by the impactful substitutes Doku, Erling Haaland, and Bernardo Silva.

"It proved challenging, yet the wingers (Doku and Savinho) altered the rhythm upon entering," Guardiola further noted.

"Their initial advance beyond the centre circle produced an excellent goal. The sport remains full of surprises, but our second-half display was truly outstanding."