Defending champions Manchester City advanced to another FA Cup final after defeating Chelsea 1-0 in the semi-finals on Saturday evening.
FA Cup
Result: Manchester City 1-0 Chelsea
Date: 20 April 2024
Venue: Wembley Stadium
The Citizens were without top scorer Erling Haaland as Julain Alvarez started in the attack, while Stefan Ortega replaced Ederson between the sticks.
For the Blues, coach Mauricio Pochettino kept faith faith Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke in the attack despite the two being criticised for arguing over a penalty in the win over Everton on Monday.
City had the first big chance on 13 minutes when Phil Foden latched onto Kevin de Bruyne's pass before rounding Ðorde Petrovic, but he was unable to profit from a tight angle.
The Blues had a chance of their own after 29 minutes when Nicolas Jackson managed to round Ortega in the box and instead of shooting, he opted to pull the back of Cole Palmer but the weak pass was intercepted.
Pochettino's charges came out firing in the second half and should have went ahead five minutes in when Palmer did well to pick out Jackson, who failed to head home from six yards out.
Guardiola responded with a change after the hour mark, as Jack Grealish was forced off with an injury and replaced by Jeremy Doku, who made a good cameo off the bench against Real Madrid on Wednesday.
The Citizens eventually got the breakthrough in the 84th minute when De Bruyne's cross deflected into the path of Bernardo Silva, who slammed home at the far post.
City will now await the winner of Sunday's semi-final between Manchester United and Conventry City.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.