Mahrez's hat-trick helps City maintain Triple Crown hopes
Posted : 23 April 2023
Manchester City defeated Sheffield United at Wembley to go to the FA Cup final, and Riyad Mahrez scored the first hat-trick in an FA Cup semifinal since 1958.
Although the Blades fought valiantly the entire time and even squandered a significant early opportunity when Stefan Ortega stopped Iliman Ndiaye's attempt, City made their poise count when Mahrez scored his first goal from the penalty spot two minutes before halftime.
After Daniel Jebbison fouled Bernardo Silva to start the scoring, the Algerian took advantage of an exposed Sheffield United defense to score a solo goal shortly after the hour mark.
After 66 minutes, Mahrez scored his third goal, the first in a semifinal in this competition since Alex Dawson accomplished the feat for Manchester United in 1958. He did so by deflecting a cross from Jack Grealish past Wes Foderingham.
It allowed City manager Pep Guardiola the luxury of resting important players including Erling Haaland, Grealish, Bernardo Silva, and Ilkay Gundogan ahead of Wednesday's matchup with Arsenal, who are currently leading the Premier League standings.
With their Champions League semifinal appearance, FA Cup semifinal matchup against either Brighton or Manchester United, and primary opponent Arsenal dropping points in the league, City and Guardiola have had a very successful week.
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