Pep Guardiola opened his post‑match press conference after Manchester City’s dramatic FA Cup semi‑final victory over Southampton with a wry remark: “Not many journalists here, right? The game looks like it isn’t important.” The comment hinted at a feeling that the significance of City’s achievement was being downplayed.
Reaching the final of football’s oldest knockout competition for a fourth straight year is a rare feat, yet the spotlight was also on Arsenal, who had just secured a tense 1‑0 win against Newcastle to reclaim the Premier League lead. For Guardiola, the only manager in England to have already completed a domestic treble, seeing his side’s progress toward a potential repeat being treated as a side note must have been frustrating. He was quick to temper expectations, reminding everyone that any talk of a second treble was "far, far away" at that stage of the season. City’s semi‑final was far from a walk‑over.
Southampton struck first with a thunderous 79th‑minute strike from Finn Azaz that seemed to threaten to derail the champions’ night. Yet City responded with the composure of a title‑winning side. Jeremy Doku and Nico González combined for two quick goals that turned a precarious situation into a comfortable 2‑1 victory, securing a place in the final on May 16 against either Chelsea or Leeds United.
When pressed about the possibility of another treble, Guardiola replied: "Before the Aston Villa game – the final league match – I’ll tell you if there’s a chance. Right now it’s too early to talk about it." He stressed the importance of a short break for his players, urging them to forget football for three days, rest, and then prepare for “a season of five games plus the FA Cup final.” City currently sit three points behind Arsenal, having played one fewer match, and could still add the Premier League title and the FA Cup to their already‑won Carabao Cup within a tight 21‑day window.
The schedule begins on Monday, May 4, when City travel to Everton for a Premier League clash, and continues with a series of high‑stakes fixtures that will decide whether the club can clinch a historic double or even a treble. Guardiola was asked whether each of those upcoming games would feel like a final.
He answered unequivocally: "Absolutely. Six games – if we win, we’re there. If we lose, it’s over." He went on to define the club’s identity, saying that while people often count Champions League titles, the true measure of Manchester City lies in their five Carabao Cup triumphs and the unprecedented run of four consecutive FA Cup finals. The recent league win at Burnley was far from convincing, and a narrow escape against a Championship side could raise doubts about City’s form at a crucial juncture.
However, several mitigating factors were at play. Guardiola made eight changes to his starting XI, resting many of his key players. Stars such as Erling Haaland, Marc Guehi, Bernardo Silva, Jeremy Doku and Nico González were all listed among the substitutes, shielding them from any injury risk. With so many alterations, a lack of rhythm in the first half was inevitable.
The second half, however, saw Southampton dominate possession in their own half before Azaz’s late equaliser. Guardiola summed it up succinctly: "Football is unpredictable." The comeback, though, was almost textbook for City – a swift response that underlined their mental resilience. Critics might argue that Southampton are a lower‑league opponent, but the truth is they arrived at the semi‑final on a 20‑game unbeaten run, having dispatched both Arsenal and Fulham on their way to the last four. City’s ability to stare down defeat and find an extra gear is precisely the quality Arsenal are desperate to emulate.
The psychological edge that comes from winning when the pressure is at its peak will be vital over the next six decisive matches. Rest could become a decisive factor in the title race. Arsenal have two games scheduled before City even step onto the pitch again.
While Arsenal travel to Madrid for the Champions League semi‑final against Atletico on Wednesday, City will be returning to training after a three‑day break. Arsenal then face Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday, giving City a two‑day advantage before their own return on May 4.
Guardiola highlighted the importance of that downtime, noting that a day off can actually improve performance – a notion that runs counter to the conventional wisdom that more training equals better results. "I learned in this country that a day off can make you play better. People say the more you train, the better you play, and it is completely the opposite," he said. "In the beginning, I trained a lot, but now it’s quality time.
I need everybody ready." Statistically, City are still outsiders for the Premier League crown. Opta’s predictive model gives Arsenal a 72.44% probability of winning the title after their victory over Newcastle. Nevertheless, the compressed schedule gives City a realistic chance to close the gap, especially if they can maintain the intensity shown in cup competitions.
The upcoming fixtures are as follows: - 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 to be confirmed - 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 of six matches, they will not only keep their treble hopes alive but also potentially create a significant swing in the title race, putting pressure on Arsenal, who will be juggling Champions League commitments and league fixtures. The next three weeks will therefore be a true test of depth, resilience and strategic planning for Pep Guardiola’s side, and the outcome could shape the narrative of English football for years to come.