(Football news) A late goal by Diogo Jota was enough for Liverpool to secure a narrow 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest in the quarter-final of the FA Cup, resulting in an epic clash with Manchester City in the semi-finals. The hosts were arguably the better side of the two until Jota scored in the 78th minute and could have taken the lead moments earlier themselves as Philip Zinckernagel missed the target from just eight yards out.
It was a sell out crowd at the City Ground and Forest were largely successful in keeping Liverpool at bay for the majority of the match as Roberto Firmino’s dinked effort, saved by Ethan Horvath was the visitors’ only real opportunity before the eventual winning goal. The result also means that Liverpool’s quadruple hopes are still alive but Manchester City stands in their way in the semi-finals.
Speaking after the match, Jurgen Klopp said “We have Watford, Benfica, City, Benfica, City, United, Everton (after the international break). From a Liverpool perspective these are all massive games and we try to play them one at a time and not all together. We knew before the game City would be the opponent if we wanted to go to the final anyway. Now here we go. The further you go in whichever competition the more likely you are you will face City at one point. I don't think we are the dream draw for anyone, but it will be a tough tie and we have to make sure it will be tough for City as well. But there are a lot of games to play before that."
Meanwhile at St. Mary’s Stadium, Manchester City defeated Southampton 4-1 with goals from Raheem Sterling, Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden and Riyad Mahrez. It was a tricky fixture for Pep Guardiola’s team, who have already drawn twice against the Saints in the Premier League so far but the visitors found their ruthless streak to keep their treble hopes alive and progress to the semi-finals of the FA Cup. Raheem Sterling gave City the lead but the hosts managed to get a deserved equaliser in the first half added time when Mohamed Elyounoussi's cross was turned by Aymeric Laporte into his own goal.
City’s performance was much more convincing in the second half as Kevin De Bruyne converted a penalty, substitute Phil Foden scored the third goal with a brilliant strike from the edge of the area and Riyad Mahrez added the cherry on top with a fourth goal after a fantastic move. Speaking after the match, Pep Guardiola said “We started really well and then we forgot to play, knowing that it's so difficult because Southampton is one of the most organised teams we've faced this season, they push you with incredible intensity.”
"The goal we conceded was a consequence of that. The second half was much better, they had a chance for Che Adams when it was 2-1, but the quality we had up front made the difference. After we come back we know what we have. Quarter-finals of the Champions League, Premier League two or three games, semi-final of the FA Cup, arriving in the later stages of the season, we are there, it is nice. How many times has it [the treble] happened in this country? Once, in our lifetime. It is not easy."
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