Riyad Mahrez scored the first FA Cup semi-final hat-trick since 1958 as Manchester City eased into the final with a 3-0 defeat of Sheffield United.The Algeria international put Pep Guardiola’s treble-chasing side ahead with a penalty late in the first half before striking twice more after the hour.Championship high-flyers United failed to trouble the imperious City, who made light of their draining schedule in the week in which they also reached the Champions League semi-finals with a commanding performance.It was their 11th win in 12 games, and they now go into Wednesday’s crucial top-of-the-table Premier League clash against leaders Arsenal with considerable confidence and momentum.The loss made for an anticlimactic end to the Blades’ superb run in the competition, but their main goal of promotion back to the top flight should soon follow. Warriors
Riyad Mahrez scored the first FA Cup semi-final hat-trick since 1958 as Manchester City eased into the final with a 3-0 defeat of Sheffield United.The Algeria international put Pep Guardiola’s treble-chasing side ahead with a penalty late in the first half before striking twice more after the hour.Championship high-flyers United failed to trouble the imperious City, who made light of their draining schedule in the week in which they also reached the Champions League semi-finals with a commanding performance.It was their 11th win in 12 games, and they now go into Wednesday’s crucial top-of-the-table Premier League clash against leaders Arsenal with considerable confidence and momentum.The loss made for an anticlimactic end to the Blades’ superb run in the competition, but their main goal of promotion back to the top flight should soon follow. Phbet