Just a year ago, Manchester City appeared to be unraveling. A first trophyless season since 2017 loomed, stars were departing, and doubts swirled around Pep Guardiola's project. Fast forward to today, and City are on the brink of history once more, having already secured the Carabao Cup and now advancing to a record fourth consecutive FA Cup final after a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Southampton at Wembley.
The transformation has been swift. Guardiola reshaped his squad, allowing established figures like Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, Jack Grealish, and Ederson to leave, while integrating a youthful core. After a spluttering start to the season—two defeats in their first three league games and three straight draws in early 2026—the new-look City have found their rhythm at the perfect moment.
"Too far away," Guardiola said when asked about the possibility of a domestic treble, downplaying the achievement. "Before the final league game against Aston Villa, after we will tell you if there is a chance, but at the moment it is far, far, far away."
City's path to this point has been anything but smooth. Trailing Southampton until the 85th minute, they dug deep to score two late goals and avoid an embarrassing defeat against the Championship high-flyers. It was a display of resilience that has defined their season.
Guardiola's men now return to Wembley on May 16, aiming to add another FA Cup to their collection. They have experienced both glory and heartbreak in recent finals—beating Manchester United in 2023 en route to the Treble, but losing to the same rivals the following year and then falling to Crystal Palace last May. With the Premier League title race still alive, City are chasing a feat only they have achieved among English sides: the domestic treble.
"Now it is important that the players have three days off," Guardiola added. "I told them not to think about football and just rest. The season starts with five games and an FA Cup final."