MATCH REPORT AND PLAYER RATINGS - MAN CITY 3-0 SHEFFIELD UNITED

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A hattrick from Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez ensured Manchester City overcame a resilient Sheffield United side to reach their second FA Cup final under Pep Guardiola.

City almost got off to a terrible start, with cup goalkeeper Stefan Ortega-Moreno needing to make a close range save on Iliman Ndiaye inside the first 90 seconds of the match, but after that, they controlled the game, despite ITV co-commentator Lee Dixon's bizarre claim that it was Sheffield United dictating play, despite the Blades having just 22% of possession in the entire match.

Sheffield did defend well, however, and it was looking like it'd be very difficult for City to break them down, making the first goal of the game crucial. Thankfully, this came after Bernardo Silva was fouled in the penalty area, leaving Mahrez to slot home from the spot with a brilliantly placed penalty.

Many City fans (myself included) were surprised it was the 32 year old who took the penalty, and not regular taker Erling Haaland. However, as Mahrez pointed out after the game, he and Haaland are alternating penalties when they're both on the pitch, so, despite Mahrez's significantly poorer record from the penalty spot, expect this arrangement to continue.

From this point, Sheffield United's more expansive game, as they looked to approach City more and grab an equaliser, left City dangerous on the break. Mahrez dispossessed a Sheffield United midfielder before driving at the backline. The run of Erling Haaland attracted attention away from Mahrez, meaning he was able to skip into the penalty box and slide the ball past keeper Wes Foderingham.

Mahrez completed his hattrick just 5 minutes later, as Jack Grealish's pull back from the left hand side of the box found Mahrez, who was able to smash past the keeper in a congested area. This was the Algerian's second hattrick for City, with the first coming against Burnley in a 5-0 win over the Clarets back in 2020.

Guardiola intrigued us all with his formation once again, opting to go with a back 3 of Kyle Walker, Manuel Akanji and Aymeric Laporte in possession, with a triple pivot of Bernardo Silva, Ilkay Gundogan and Sergio Gomez in front, leaving Julian Alvarez in a free role to find space in between the lines. Grealish and Mahrez maintained the width, hugging the touchlines, whilst Haaland occupied the back 3. Ultimately, it was a 3-3-1-3 formation.

As shown in the image above, Bernardo and Gomez occupied the half spaces, each of them with a Sheffield United midfielder within close range. This gave space for Julian Alvarez in between the lines, to try and make things happen.

Perhaps this system will be seen more often, particularly if Guardiola wants to start playing Bernardo Silva as the left sided 8 in a midfield 3 more often, and it could also be a way to reintegrate Phil Foden after injury, either in Alvarez's role or on the right wing.

It is reasonably convincing to picture Rodri in Gundogan's role, John Stones in Bernardo's role and Bernardo in Gomez's role. Having an extra player back would help City prevent transitions from the opposition, and would arguably give Kevin de Bruyne more freedom, presuming he is the one playing in the number 10 role. It'd also free up a space on the right wig, either for Mahrez or Foden.

City will now face either Brighton and Hove Albion or Manchester United in the FA Cup final, which'll take place the week after the end of the season. Guardiola will be delighted to get beyond the stage where they've lost out for 3 years in a row, especially considering Ederson, Dias, Stones, Rodri and De Bruyne all got a complete rest, with Gundogan, Grealish Bernardo and Haaland all getting a rest as well, before the vital game at the Etihad Stadium against Arsenal on Wednesday night.

Here are the player ratings for the Blues' 3-0 victory over Sheffield United:

Ortega Moreno - 7/10 - After a good save in the first minute, Ortega Moreno didn't have a lot to do. His passing was secure and solid, and has surely earned himself a start in the FA Cup final with his fantastic performances this season.

Walker - 6.5/10 - Defended a few counter attacks well, and offered width down the right hand side, with multiple overlapping runs. The minute he loses his pace, however, he'll lose a lot of his value to the team, as it is probably fair to say City have more technically gifted players that can play in his position.

Akanji - 7/10 - Battled well with Sheffield United's forwards, playing safe, accurate passes to teammates. He's quickly becoming a vital player to City, and will have a huge role as City pursue a treble.

Laporte - 7/10 - It is looking more and more likely that Laporte will need to play against Arsenal on Wednesday, which, for whatever reason, is worrying a large section of the fanbase. It is true, that Laporte hasn't had anywhere near as good a season as Ake has had, but this is the man who almost risked his career for the sake of City at the end of last season. Laporte had a solid game today, and should continue that if he's required to against Arsenal and Bukayo Saka on Wednesday night in particular.

Bernardo - 7/10 - Buzzed around in midfield as usual, as he looked to create for City. He should start against Arsenal, as he is one for the big games, as shown numerous times in his City career.

Gundogan - 7.5/10 - Dictated the tempo in central midfield, dropping deep to receive the ball and play forward on many occasions. If any injury were to occur to Rodri, then it's likely we'd see Gundogan deputise for him for the most part.

Gomez - 7/10 - Had a very good game in possession, looking as technically gifted on the ball as any of City's midfield players. A loan move probably beckons next season however, as Gomez certainly has to improve defensively if he's ever going to be a regular at left back in City's team.

Alvarez - 6.5/10 - Had a reasonably quiet game, with his best chance being am effort spurned wide of the keeper's left hand post. As always, however, he ran his socks off, pressuring the Sheffield United centre backs on the rare occasion they had the ball.

Mahrez - 9/10 - A brilliant hattrick for City's magnificent winger! He is marked down ever so slightly for the sheer number of times he ignored an overlapping run from Walker, but other than, a performance that could influence Guardiola's selection choice on Wednesday night.

Haaland - 6.5/10 - Haaland was well marked by Sheffield's central defenders, and was ultimately kept quiet, although he looked sharp and dangerous in everything he did. If it weren't for a soft foul, Haaland would've scored the goal of the season, with a brilliant volley from 40 yards crashing into the bottom corner.

Grealish - 6.5/10 - A reasonably quiet game for Grealish; it seemed at time the only option he had was to cross into a packed box or lay it back to Gomez, such as the way Sheffield United defended in numbers. Got an assist, however, with a wonderful cut back with his right foot for Mahrez's third goal.

Substitutes:

Palmer - 7/10 - A bright cameo for Palmer. Playing on the left wing, the 20 year old from Wythenshawe looked to provide a direct threat down the left wing, and had it been Erling Haaland, not Phil Foden, attacking his back post cross towards the end, he'd have got a well earned assist.

Foden - 6.5/10 - Considering he's been out for around a month, Foden looked sharp and positive on his return to the City side. had he attacked the back post with more confidence, he'd have got himself a goal as well.

Phillips - 6/10 - Didn't have that many touches when he came on, but slotted in the system well. Unlike last week, the team didn't look weaker when he came on, which is encouraging given that comment Guardiola made midweek about Phillips not currently suiting City's system.

Lewis - 6/10 - Didn't have a lot of time to impact the game, however, looked tigerish and committed playing in the same role as Bernardo.