Pep lauds City's 'exceptional' & 'extraordinary' display to reach FA Cup final

Pep Guardiola hailed his Manchester City side's "exceptional" and "extraordinary" performance in their FA Cup semi-final win over Southampton.

After going behind to Finn Azaz's opener in the 79th minute, Jeremy Doku levelled the tie before Nico Gonzalez's long-range stunner sealed a fourth consecutive FA Cup final for City, who became the first team to achieve that feat.

Excluding extra time, Nico's winning strike after 86 minutes and 34 seconds was the latest winning goal scored in an FA Cup semi-final since Anthony Martial for Manchester United versus Everton in 2016 (92:04).

City have now won each of their 22 FA Cup games against lower league teams since the start of 2018-19, the longest such streak of any top-flight side in the competition's history.

Guardiola is relishing an exciting finish to the season, with a domestic treble still on the cards for City.

"Exceptional [performance]. It was difficult, but the wingers when they came in changed the pace," the Spaniard told BBC Sport.

"The first time they crossed the halfway line, they made a fantastic goal. Football is always unpredictable, but the way we played in the second half was extraordinary.

"It's always nice to be here fighting against top teams. No team has made four finals in a row [before]. It's extraordinary, and hopefully we can arrive with a good momentum."

Doku became the first player from Belgium to score in an FA Cup semi-final since Eden Hazard netted for Chelsea against Tottenham in 2017.

Along with his goal and assist, Doku created a match-high five chances, completed 11 of his 14 dribbles and won 13 of his 16 duels (both match-highs) to help get his side over the line.

"Every time you reach the final, you're like, wow, what a journey it has been. Reaching the final again is unbelievable," said Doku.

"I was analysing the game in the first half. We were playing in the middle a lot. I knew that I had to bring a threat and make it uncomfortable for the full-backs.

"Everybody tells me I need to be more selfish. When I have the ball, the first thing I think is 'who is free?' Instead of 'where is the goal?' I have to be more selfish in those moments."

Southampton did not attempt a single shot in the first half of this match, the first time they have failed to have a first-half shot in any competition this season.

Despite their heartbreaking loss, Saints boss Tonda Eckert insisted there is no time to dwell on it, with a huge game against Ipswich Town in the Championship on Tuesday.

"It was a tough performance. We know in these games it is a game of moments," he told BBC Sport.

"It doesn't happen too often that you lose a game against Man City with two goals scored outside the box. We need to put this game to bed. The real test of maturity comes up on Tuesday.

"Dedication is clear. I think it gives us extra fuel, and we will make sure we finish strongly this season."