Pep Guardiola opened his post‑match press conference after Manchester City’s dramatic FA Cup semi‑final victory over Southampton with a wry comment: “Not many journalists here, right? The game looks like it isn’t important.” The remark hinted at the frustration the City boss felt as his side edged closer to a historic fourth straight final in the world’s oldest knockout competition, while the media’s attention seemed to drift toward Arsenal’s own crucial Premier League clash. City’s win secured a place in the May 16 final, where they will meet either Chelsea or Leeds United, and it also marked the club’s potential to become the first side to reach the FA Cup final for four consecutive seasons.
That achievement, however, risked being eclipsed by Arsenal’s 1‑0 triumph over Newcastle United, which propelled the Gunners to the top of the league table. For Guardiola – the only manager to have completed an English domestic treble – the relative quiet around his team’s progress may have been a sore point, even if he cautioned that any talk of a treble was "far, far away" at this stage. The semi‑final itself was a roller‑coaster.
Southampton took the lead in the 79th minute when Finn Azaz unleashed a thunderous strike that seemed to set the tone for a possible upset. Yet City’s champion pedigree shone through.
Jeremy Doku, who had been on the bench for much of the season, sprang to life and netted the equaliser, while Nico González added a second goal to seal a 2‑1 victory. The comeback exemplified the resilience that has defined Pep’s side throughout the campaign. When asked about the prospect of adding another trophy to an already glittering cabinet, Guardiola replied, "Before the Aston Villa game – the final league fixture – I will tell you if there is a chance.
Right now it’s too far away." He emphasised the importance of rest, urging his players to forget football for three days, recover fully, and then brace themselves for a grueling run of five games plus the FA Cup final. City now sit three points behind Arsenal, having played one fewer match, and could theoretically clinch the Premier League, the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup within a 21‑day window. Their schedule begins on Monday, May 4, with an away trip to Everton, followed by a series of fixtures that include Brentford, Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and a second encounter with Burnley. Each match is effectively a final in Guardiola’s eyes: "Six games – if we win, we’re there.
If we lose, it’s over," he said. Guardiola also reflected on how the club’s identity is shaped by its recent successes. He noted that while people often measure a club by Champions League victories, the true definition for City lies in their five Carabao Cup triumphs and the unprecedented run of four consecutive FA Cup finals. This perspective underscores the importance he places on consistency in domestic cup competitions, which he believes distinguishes City from their rivals.
The semi‑final win, however, came after a modest league performance at Burnley, where City scraped a narrow victory. Guardiola made eight changes for that match, keeping many key players on the bench – including Erling Haaland, Marc Guehi, Bernardo Silva, Doku and Nico O’Reilly – to protect them from injury. The lack of rhythm in the first half was evident, but the second half saw Southampton concede a long‑range effort before City’s quality shone through. Guardiola admitted the unpredictability of football, yet also highlighted how predictable City’s response was when faced with adversity.
Critics might argue that Southampton are a lower‑league side, but their recent form belies that notion. The Saints were on a 20‑game unbeaten run and had dispatched Arsenal and Fulham to reach the last four, proving they are capable of challenging top‑flight teams. City’s ability to stare defeat in the face and summon an extra gear is a trait Arsenal is desperately trying to emulate.
Such mental fortitude, earned by winning high‑stakes matches, will be essential over the next six games. Rest could become a decisive factor in the title race. Arsenal will have a busy week, playing Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi‑final on Wednesday and then hosting Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday.
In contrast, City will enjoy a three‑day break before returning to training, giving them a chance to recover fully. Guardiola stressed that a day off can improve performance, countering the common belief that more training always leads to better results. He said, "I have 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." Statistically, City are still outsiders for the Premier League title.
Opta’s model gives Arsenal a 72.44% probability of winning after their victory over Newcastle. Yet the narrow margins in the remaining fixtures mean that any slip‑up by the Gunners could reopen the race for City, especially if they capitalize on their rest advantage and maintain the winning momentum they displayed in the FA Cup. The upcoming fixtures are as follows: - Burnley (away) – Wednesday, April 22 (already played) - Everton (away) – Monday, May 4 - Brentford (home) – Saturday, May 9 - Bournemouth (away) – Sunday, May 17 - Crystal Palace (home) – date to be confirmed - Aston Villa (home) – Sunday, May 24 - Fulham (home) – Saturday, May 2 - West Ham (away) – Sunday, May 10 - Burnley (home) – Sunday, May 17 - Crystal Palace (away) – Sunday, May 24 If City can navigate this demanding schedule, keep their squad healthy and sustain the confidence built from their FA Cup comeback, they could not only secure the league crown but also complete a remarkable domestic treble.
The next three weeks will test their depth, resilience and tactical flexibility, and the outcome will likely shape the narrative of English football for years to come.