Riyad Mahrez hat-trick helps Man City seal FA Cup Final spot

Riyad Mahrez scored a phenomenal hat-trick as Manchester City secured their place in the FA Cup Final. The Blues beat Sheffield United 3-0 at Wembley on Saturday afternoon. This is the first time that Pep Guardiola’s side have reached the final of the tournament since 2019.

City await the winner of Manchester United and Brighton who square off against each at the same venue on Sunday.

Sheffield United started the game brightly and almost scored after just 90 seconds. However, apart from their bright start the Championship outfit hardly troubled Stefan Ortega’s goal. The Blades defended admirably in the first half, limiting City’s free-flowing rhythm with resolute defending.

However, Paul Heckingbottom’s side were then guilty of undoing all of their good work. Daniel Jebbison lunged at Ilkay Gundogan right on the stroke of half-time to give away a cheap penalty. Riyad Mahrez stepped up to give Manchester City the lead.

Riyad Mahrez ran the show in the second-half

City dominated proceedings in the second half, hardly breaking a sweat. Pep Guardiola’s side then made their superiority count when Mahrez scored his second on the hour.

The Algerian received the ball in the final third and with Erling Haaland making a clever decoy run. The 32-year-old then ran at the Blades defense and poked the ball beyond Wes Foderingham.

Five minutes later Mahrez completed his hat-trick following a fine City move. Jack Grealish cut inside and squared a pass across the face of goal to the Algerian and he duly added the finish.

City almost grabbed a fourth in stoppage time when substitute Phil Foden laid on a perfect pass it for Julian Alvarez, but the Argentine dragged his shot wide.

Manchester City looking for defensive perfection in FA Cup Final

Sheffield United barely strung any attacking moves together with the game already over but the Championship side can look back on their run to Wembley with pride.

City, however, become the first side to reach the FA Cup final without conceding a goal since Everton in the 1965/66 season.

The reigning Premier League Champions now turn their attention to Wednesday when they host league leaders Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium.

Photo credit: IMAGO / Pro Sports Images