FA Cup 2018-19: Manchester City eyeing quadruple after reaching final?
On Saturday, English giants Manchester City beat Brighton and Hove Albion 1-0 in the semi-final of the FA Cup 2018-19. With this, the club would aim to win a quadruple this season, as they look favorites to win the Premier League and are still alive in the UEFA Champions League title race. Notably, they already pocketed the League Cup in February. But can they?
Gabriel's fourth minute strike seals City's final spot
Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus gave City the lead in the fourth minute. It started with a glorious pass from Aymeric Laporte to Kevin De Bruyne, who put the ball up for a superb pass across the box, only for Jesus to come running in and perfectly head the ball home. While overall, it was an intense match, City held their nerves.
Guardiola rules out chances of winning quadruple
Speaking on a possible quadruple, City manager Pep Guardiola said, "It is almost impossible to win the quadruple. Surviving in this stage of the competitions is already a miracle. Still, we are there. That's why it's incredible what these players have done."
City continue their free-scoring form this season
City have been in dominant form since the start of the season. The club has already scored more than 100 goals across competitions in Europe this season. They took the second least number of matches to score 100 goals across competitions in a season. City, for the first time, retained a silverware in successive seasons when they beat Chelsea in the League Cup final.
City have won most silverware under Guardiola since Joe Mercer
Guardiola has been City's guardian angel. The Spanish manager has won four silverware in just three seasons in charge, since 2016-17. He has won the most for the club since 1971, overtaking Tony Book (1973-83), Roberto Mancini (2009-13) and Manuel Pellegrini (2013-16). However, he is the second best to Joe Mercer, who had won six silverware for the club between 1965-71.
City face Spurs hurdle in UCL quarters
As far as City's next venture is concerned, they would be up against EPL rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the quarter-finals of the Champions League on Tuesday night. While Tottenham might not be in the EPL race, it would certainly look to spoil City's party and halt their momentum. Nonetheless, judging by the current form of both the sides, City look favorites to go through.
Do City have realistic chance of winning the quadruple?
Analyzing City's chances of winning the quadruple this season, the author agrees with Guardiola's statement. It is indeed extremely difficult to win a quadruple for any club, however, it is not impossible. City would be eyeing the EPL and UCL titles for now. Overall, chances for a treble are likely, but quadruple certainly is a mission impossible for Guardiola and his boys.
