Manchester City 3-0 Sheffield United: Riyad Mahrez nets stunning hat-trick as City reach FA Cup final

Riyad Mahrez netted a hat-trick as Manchester City claimed their place in the FA Cup final for the first time since 2019 with a 3-0 win over Championship side Sheffield United at Wembley.

The Algeria international netted a first-half penalty and scored twice in five second-half minutes to become the first player to fire a treble in an FA Cup semi-final since Manchester United’s Alex Dawson managed the feat in 1958.

Erling Haaland was handed a start but the Norway star – searching for his 49th goal of the season – was largely anonymous in the first-half with the Blades defending so deep and with almost everyone behind the ball.

Despite their ultra-defensive approach, however, the Championship side should have been ahead in the second minute, Stefan Ortega saving from Iliman Ndiaye at point-blank range with barely 120 seconds on the clock.

With playmaker Kevin De Bruyne on the bench, City had been restricted to efforts from range and had failed to trouble Wes Foderingham until the 42nd minute when Daniel Jebbison was deemed to have fouled Bernardo Silva inside the box. Mahrez stepped up confidently, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to give Pep Guardiola’s charges the lead.

Mahrez then gave City a two-goal cushion in the 61st minute in fine fashion: after stealing possession on the halfway line, he embarked on a lung-busting solo run, keeping his composure to slide it past the helpless Foderingham.

And he put the result beyond doubt just five minutes later when he swept home a first-time effort from Jack Grealish’s pass.

City - who have now won 11 of their last 12 games - can now look forward to the FA Cup final against either neighbours Manchester United or Brighton on Saturday, June 3.

Pep Guardiola opted to make six changes for this tie and was able to provide a much-needed and well-earned rest to De Bruyne and John Stones, with Phil Foden only playing 22 minutes. Somewhat surprisingly, Haaland was given the nod but ultimately his presence was overshadowed by the brilliance of Mahrez, who produced a ruthless performance in front of goal and ensured it was a relatively straightforward afternoon for the Citizens.

It has been a productive few days for Man City as they bid to replicate neighbours Manchester United’s treble feat of 1999. After holding Bayern Munich to a 1-1 draw on Wednesday to claim their place in the Champions League semi-final, the Citizens then watched title rivals Arsenal drop points at home to basement side Southampton on Friday. Now they have an FA Cup final to look forward to after ending a run of three consecutive semi-final defeats in this competition.

It feels like City have hit their peak at just the right time.

The brilliance of Haaland has been stealing the headlines this season but the form of Mahrez has perhaps gone under the radar somewhat; his fantastic hat-trick today ensured he will get the credit he deserves. Since the World Cup he has scored 13 goals and contributed with seven assists, and on the wide surface at Wembley he was simply untouchable.

Man City: Ortega 7, Walker 6, Akanji 6, Laporte 6, Gomez 6, Gundogan 7, Bernardo 7, Mahrez 9*, Alvarez 6, Grealish 7, Haaland 6. subs: Foden 5, Palmer 5, Phillips N/A, Lewis N/A.

Sheffield United: Foderingham 6, Robinson 5, Egan 5, Ahmedhodzic 5, Lowe 5, Fleck 6, Norwood 6, Berge 6, Baldock 5, Jebbison 4, Ndiaye 5. subs: Basham N/A, Bogle N/A, Coulibaly N/A, McBurnie 5.

2’ - HUGE SHEFFIELD UTD CHANCE! Wow, the Championship side ought to be ahead! They force an early corner, Egan reaches highest but his header is blocked. It drops to Ndiaye who, from point blank range, shoots straight at Ortega!

41’ - PENALTY TO CITY! Jebbison, attempting to clear, appears to catch Bernardo Silva inside the box and the referee points to the spot. But VAR is going to have a look...the penalty is given! Man City will have a glorious opportunity to take the lead.

43’ - GOAL! MANCHESTER CITY 1-0 SHEFFIELD UNITED (RIYAD MAHREZ, PEN): Mahrez sends Foderingham the wrong way with a confident penalty and puts Manchester City in front.

61’ - GOAL! MANCHESTER CITY 2-0 SHEFFIELD UNITED (RIYAD MAHREZ): Mahrez at the double! After stealing possession on the halfway line, he drives forward, defenders are retreating and he keeps going before sliding the ball into the back of the net.

66’ - GOAL! MANCHESTER CITY 3-0 SHEFFIELD UNITED (RIYAD MAHREZ): It's a hat-trick for Mahrez! His run into the box isn't tracked and he meets Grealish's pass with a first-time shot that curls into the bottom corner.