Pep Guardiola hailed Manchester City’s record-breaking FA Cup semi-final victory over Southampton at Wembley as “really cool”.
City came from behind to beat their spirited Championship opponents 2-1 to become the first club ever to reach four consecutive FA Cup finals.
Finn Azaz broke the deadlock for the Saints – who earlier had a goal rule out for offside – with a sublime effort after 79 minutes, but City responded almost instantly when Jeremy Doku’s deflected shot beat Daniel Peretz.
But if the equaliser was somewhat harsh on the Southampton keeper, there was little he could do about the winner, courtesy of Nico Gonzalez’s whose strike from a full 30 yards out flew into the top corner.
“We played an incredible second half,” Guardiola said, “really, really good. We created a lot of chances.”
He praised Gonzalez as a midfielder with “incredible attributes” who needs to “believe more in himself”.
The City boss added: “In the absence of Rodri for seven months, he [Gonzalez] has made an incredible step.”
Guardiola then hailed Southampton boss Tonda Eckert as “exceptional” before going on to describe his side’s victory as “really cool” and “phenomenal”.
He also appeared to take aim at the standard of officiating during previous finals, adding: “Hopefully we can arrive good and hopefully the something we cannot control… can be fair and for both teams.”
