22nd April, 2023
Riyad Mahrez scored a ha-trick on Saturday as Manchester City thrashed Sheffield United 3-0 to reach FA Cup final at the Wembley Stadium.
The Algerian scored his first goal from the penalty spot on 43 minutes and struck two other goals on 61st and 66th minute to seal victory for City.
His second was a brilliant individual effort as he carved through the Blades’ defence to score before claiming a third with a first-time strike from Jack Grealish’s cross.
Pep Guardiola made six changes to his starting line-up.
The Championship side made a confident start despite City controlling possession and playing high up the pitch, although Haaland had the ball in the back of the net after 15 minutes with a 30-yard drive that was chalked off as referee Stuart Attwell gave a foul in the build-up.
Blades keeper Wes Foderingham was at full-stretch for a smart save to turn Julian Alvarez’s curling effort around the post as City patiently tried to create opportunities.
Despite enjoying 80% possession, City looked like they might be frustrated before half-time with Bernardo and Mahrez both out of luck with efforts from distance.
But they were presented with a golden opportunity three minutes before the break when Bernardo was caught by Daniel Jebbison’s swiping challenge inside the box. Mahrez stepped up to send Foderingham the wrong way from the spot with the cooly-taken penalty.