Pep Guardiola arrived at the Wembley press conference after Manchester City’s dramatic FA Cup semi‑final win over Southampton with a wry comment: “Not many journalists here, right? The game looks like it isn’t important.” While City were celebrating the chance to become the first club to reach the final of football’s oldest competition for a fourth straight season, their Premier League rivals Arsenal were also busy, edging Newcastle 1‑0 to move back to the top of the table. For Guardiola, a manager who already boasts an English domestic treble, it may have been slightly irritating that his side’s historic cup run was being eclipsed by the league title race. Nevertheless, he cautioned against getting ahead of himself, insisting that any talk of a possible treble was "far, far away" at this stage.
City’s semi‑final was far from a walk‑over. Southampton’s Finn Azaz struck a thunder‑bolt in the 79th minute, forcing the visitors to dig deep.
The champions responded in classic fashion, with Jeremy Doku and Nico González finding the net to secure a 2‑1 victory and a place in the final on May 16, where they will meet either Chelsea or Leeds United. When asked about the prospect of a domestic treble, Guardiola replied: "Before the Aston Villa game – the final league fixture – I’ll let you know if there’s a chance. Right now it’s too early." He also highlighted the importance of rest, telling his squad: "Don’t think about football for the next three days. Rest, then we start a five‑game sprint plus the FA Cup final." City now sit three points behind Arsenal, having played one game fewer, and could potentially line up six matches in just 21 days.
The schedule begins on Monday, May 4, when City travel to Everton for a Premier League clash that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Guardiola was asked whether each of those fixtures would feel like a final. "Absolutely," he said.
"Six games – if we win, we’re there. If we lose, it’s over." He went on to define his club’s identity: "People ask how many Champions Leagues we have, how many trophies. For us, five Carabao Cups and four consecutive FA Cup finals define us.
You can have a bad afternoon, injuries, but in this competition – the lesser one compared with the league and Europe – we have always been there. We are in the final again." The week prior, City had endured a less‑than‑convincing league win at Burnley, barely escaping defeat.
Guardiola made eight changes for the cup tie, keeping many key players on the bench – Erling Haaland, Marc Guehi, Bernardo Silva, Doku and González were all listed as substitutes. This cautious approach helped avoid any injury scares, but it also meant the team lacked rhythm in the opening half. In the second half, Southampton’s Azaz produced a spectacular strike before City’s experience shone through.
Critics might argue that City’s comeback was inevitable against lower‑league opposition, yet Southampton were on a 20‑game unbeaten run and had dispatched Arsenal and Fulham to reach the last four. City’s ability to stare down defeat and summon extra energy is a trait that Arsenal are keen to emulate. Such mental toughness, forged in high‑pressure moments, will be essential over the next six games. Rest could become a decisive factor in the title race.
Arsenal will have to play twice before City even return to training. While Arsenal travel to Madrid for the Champions League semi‑final against Atletico on Wednesday, City will be completing a three‑day break and then resuming training. Arsenal’s next Premier League fixture is against Fulham on Saturday, giving them two days of preparation before City’s return on May 4.
Guardiola stressed the value of the short break: "It’s been a tough week, a lot of emotions. In England I’ve learned that a day off can make you play better. People say the more you train, the better you play, but it’s the opposite. In the beginning I trained a lot, now it’s about quality time.
I need everyone ready." Statistically, City are still outsiders for the league title. Opta’s model gives Arsenal a 72.44% probability of winning the championship after their narrow victory over Newcastle. Nonetheless, the condensed schedule gives City a chance to close the gap if they can win the remaining fixtures. The upcoming fixtures are: - Burnley (away) – Wednesday, April 22 – live on Sky Sports - Everton (away) – Monday, May 4 – live on Sky Sports - Brentford (home) – Saturday, May 9 – live on Sky Sports - Bournemouth (away) – Sunday, May 17 - Crystal Palace (home) – date TBC - Aston Villa (home) – Sunday, May 24 - Fulham (home) – Saturday, May 2 – live on Sky Sports - West Ham (away) – Sunday, May 10 – live on Sky Sports - Burnley (home) – Sunday, May 17 - Crystal Palace (away) – Sunday, May 24 If City can navigate this gauntlet, they will not only secure a place in the FA Cup final but also keep the title race alive, potentially turning the rest period into a strategic advantage over Arsenal.
The next three weeks will test the squad’s depth, resilience, and capacity to perform under relentless pressure, making every match feel like a final in its own right.