Julius OkorieThe Semi-final clashes of this year’s FA Cup will be an EPL exclusive after Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace and Manchester City survived the heat to emerge last four.
Draw for the semi-finals was made on Sunday with Nottingham Forest pitched against Manchester City who had to come from behind to subdue Bournemouth in a hard fought quarter-final clash.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe second semi-final fixture will see Crystal Palace who made mincemeat of Fulham, take on Aston Villa who had a jolly ride against Championship side Preston North End.
Both Crystal Palace and Aston Villa ensured a 3-0 victory over their opponents in the quarters.
Marcus Rashford was the standout performer for Villa, scoring twice, including his first-ever goals for the club, as they secured their spot in the final four.
Rashford’s brace, coupled with a third goal from his teammates, saw Unai Emery’s men comfortably advance to the semi-finals.
Nottingham Forest needed penalties to dispatch Brighton after a goalless draw following 120 minutes of play. The match ended 0-0, and after a tense penalty shootout, Forest emerged victorious, securing their place in the semi-final. Both semi-final ties will take place at the Wembley Stadium
If there is one person that is thrilled to hit the semis again, it is Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, even as his side has been tipped as hot favorites to make it to the final.
Speaking after City survived initial scare against Bournemouth on Sunday, pep took a lot of positives from the comeback. It would be Man City’s seventh time in the semis.
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“Seven times in a row into the semi-finals of the FA Cup. I’m sorry to tell you but this is an outstanding achievement. That means this generation of players have done this for so many years. They have come to one of the toughest away places to come because of the way they play and the intensity.
“At half-time, I said to the guys, ‘you have the game in your hands even though you are not winning so keep going’, and after the impact from Nico [O’Reilly] was really, really good. Not just him but everyone, we are really pleased.
“Not just the young players performed but also the older players as well.
“Today, Bernardo Silva, Ilkay Gundogan, and Kevin De Bruyne were really good, but of course, the young players.
“Look at Nico O’Reilly; he scored two goals against Plymouth, and look, today the impact was outstanding. He will play in the semi-final for sure.” enthused an elated Pep.
For Aston Villa forward Marcus Rashford, it is not just about winning, he is happy to be enjoying football again after joining Villa on loan from Man United.
“It’s a great feeling, I feel like I’ve been getting fitter and playing better football since I’ve been here. It’s always nice for a forward to get a goal so hopefully it continues.
“We have to take it one game at a time and give it 100 per cent on the pitch and see where it takes us. We’re very ambitious.
“Step by step. I think I can still get fitter. I missed a lot of football before joining up with them. My body feels good and I’m enjoying my football for now. “he said
FA Cup semi-finals
Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City
Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa
Semi-finals to be played at Wembley on April 26 and April 27
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
