Pep Guardiola opened his post‑match press conference after Manchester City’s dramatic FA Cup semi‑final win over Southampton with a wry observation: “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 – becoming the first club to reach the final of the world’s oldest football competition for a fourth straight season – was being eclipsed by other storylines.
Indeed, while City celebrated their historic run, their Premier League rivals Arsenal were also in action, eking out a tense 1‑0 victory against Newcastle United that propelled them back to the top of the table. For Guardiola, who already boasts an English domestic treble, the relative quiet around his side’s progress may have been a little irksome. Still, he cautioned against premature celebrations, insisting that any talk of a potential treble was "far, far away" at this stage.
The semi‑final itself was a roller‑coaster. Southampton threatened to snatch a late winner when Finn Azaz unleashed a thunder‑strike in the 79th minute. City, however, responded with the composure expected of champions.
Jeremy Doku and Nico González found the net, securing a 2‑1 victory and a place in the May 16 final, where they will face either Chelsea or Leeds United depending on the outcome of the other semi‑final. When asked about the prospect of another domestic treble, Guardiola said, "Before the Aston Villa game – the final league fixture – I’ll tell you if there’s a chance. Right now it’s too early to say." He stressed the importance of a short break for his players, urging them to "rest and not think about football" before the intense run of five league games plus the FA Cup final. City currently sit three points behind Arsenal, having played one fewer match.
If they can maintain their form, they could add the Premier League title and the FA Cup to the Carabao Cup they already lifted, completing a remarkable collection of silverware. The schedule over the next 21 days is brutal: City travel to Everton on May 4, then face Brentford, Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, Fulham, West Ham and a second match against Burnley before the cup final. Guardiola was asked whether every fixture will feel like a final. "Absolutely," he replied.
"Six games – if we win, we’re there. If we lose, it’s over." He went on to explain how the club defines itself: "People ask how many Champions Leagues we have, how many trophies. For us, five Carabao Cups and four consecutive FA Cup finals define City." The semi‑final victory came after a less‑than‑convincing 2‑1 win at Burnley in the league, a result that left some questioning whether City were faltering at a crucial juncture. Guardiola responded by rotating his squad heavily, leaving key figures such as Erling Haaland, Marc Guehi, Bernardo Silva, Jeremy Doku and Nico O’Reilly on the bench.
This cautious approach avoided any injury scares but also disrupted the team’s rhythm in the first half. In the second half, Southampton’s long‑ball into the box produced Azaz’s goal, reminding everyone that football can be unpredictable.
Nevertheless, City’s comeback was textbook. Critics might argue that Southampton are a lower‑league side, but they arrived at the semi‑final on a 20‑match unbeaten run, having knocked out Arsenal and Fulham along the way. City’s ability to shrug off adversity and summon extra energy when the stakes are highest is a trait Arsenal are desperate to emulate.
That mental toughness will be vital in the upcoming six‑game sprint. Rest could become a decisive factor in the title race.
Arsenal have two matches before City return to action: a Champions League semi‑final against Atletico Madrid in Madrid on Wednesday, followed by a Premier League clash with Fulham on Saturday. Meanwhile, City will enjoy three days off after their FA Cup win, giving them time to recover before their league fixtures resume. Guardiola highlighted the value of this pause, saying, "I’ve learned in this country that a day off can make you play better.
People think more training equals better performance, but it’s the opposite. Early on I trained a lot, now it’s about quality time. I need everyone ready." Statistically, City are still outsiders for the league crown. Opta’s model gives Arsenal a 72.44% probability of winning the title after their recent victory.
However, the compressed schedule offers City a chance to close the gap if they can string together wins. Their 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 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 domestic treble but also cement their status as the dominant force in English football for another season.
The combination of squad depth, tactical flexibility and the psychological edge gained from surviving a late scare against Southampton could prove just enough to tip the balance in their favour. The next three weeks will therefore be a defining period for both Manchester City and their title rivals, with every match potentially acting as a final in its own right.