Match Report: Manchester City 3-0 Sheffield United (FA Cup Semi-Final)

Manchester City have reached the 2023 FA Cup final after defeating Championship high-flyers Sheffield United at Wembley on Saturday evening.

Pep Guardiola and his players will now have a keen eye on Brighton & Hove Albion against Manchester United, with the winner of Sunday’s semi-final clash taking on the reigning Premier League champions in a June final.

While the first-half was largely dominated by Manchester City, the Etihad club had to overcome an almighty scare within just two minutes after conceding a corner just 55 seconds into the contest.

The resulting ball fell to Iliman Ndiaye within the six-yard box, but couldn’t find the back of the net with City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega quick to react and stop an early setback.

Erling Haaland was the first to find the back of the net after 16 minutes, with the Norwegian striker firing home from all of 30 yards out. However, referee Stuart Attwell had already cut the game short, blowing for a Sheffield United free-kick.

Riyad Mahrez and Julian Alvarez then went close themselves, with a left-foot and right-foot bending effort respectively from just outside of the Sheffield United penalty area forcing Wes Foderingham into action to ensure his side did not fall behind.

City continued to dominate proceedings through possession, and got their rewards right before the break as Bernardo Silva was brought down by Daniel Jebbison, winning Pep Guardiola’s side a stone-wall penalty.

While many would’ve tipped Erling Haaland to step up and fire home, it was Riyad Mahrez who took control of the opportunity and arrowed home a strike into the bottom right corner, putting Manchester City ahead at the half-time interval.

The second-half was all about one man, and one man only, as Riyad Mahrez added two further goals to take home the match ball and complete the scoring for Manchester City on a perfect afternoon for the Blues.

The Algeria international drove through the entire Sheffield United midfield on 61 minutes, before sliding the ball past a helpless Wes Foderingham to double Manchester City’s lead, as the Bramall Lane club’s defenders were drawn to runs from Julian Alvarez and Erling Haaland.

The fine work from Mahrez didn’t end there, as he made it three for himself and City just four minutes later, converting a Jack Grealish ball inside the penalty area – bagging the match-ball.

Pep Guardiola then took advantage of the dominant scoreline by rotating his squad sufficiently and securing some well-needed rest for his key players ahead of a crucial run of fixtures in the coming weeks, including on Wednesday night.

Cole Palmer and Phil Foden were the first to come on, with the latter getting himself closer to full fitness, while Kalvin Phillips and Rico Lewis also made appearances later on in the contest.

Manchester City will now have a few days to refocus ahead of one of the most important Premier League matches in years, as they host Arsenal in the top-flight on Wednesday night.

City currently sit four points behind the league leaders, having played two games less, and holding a significantly better goal difference on Mikel Arteta’s side, putting them firmly in the driving seat for a third success Premier League crown.