Liverpool in first FA Cup final for a decade after early goal blitz against Man City

The quadruple may have gone from the stuff of fantasy to something that could become a reality.

Liverpool powered into a first FA Cup final in a decade, ending Manchester City’s hopes of a treble, courtesy of a remarkable first half. It brought a sensational scoreline at the break – 3-0 to Liverpool – and, as they threatened an astonishing comeback, City could rue the damage done then amid their injury-time attempts to get an equaliser.

For Pep Guardiola, a decision to prioritise the Champions and Premier Leagues came at a cost on a wretched afternoon for his back-up goalkeeper, Zack Steffen.

For Jurgen Klopp, the prospect of further silverware to add to the League Cup and the prize of becoming the first manager to beat Guardiola 10 times. Certainly Liverpool did it his way: while both previous meetings this season had been drawn 2-2, this was a throwback to the days when City could be blown away by high-intensity football, when Liverpool could score in spurts and be rewarded for their boldness.

Not for the first time, though, they had to hold on when City finished strongly. It was another all-action affair and three games between them this season have produced 13 goals.

It was fitting Liverpool’s trio came from set-pieces, pressing and a quality forward respectively. They have proved three crucial ingredients. The role of the match-winner was assumed by Sadio Mane, who has started his thirties with three goals against City; one last week, two this. He has been converted into a striker after Luis Diaz’s arrival and is scoring both the scruffy and the spectacular.

Mane for the big occasion ❤What a performance. pic.twitter.com/xkRsc8aofx

Not for the first time, Klopp’s words looked prophetic. He said on Thursday that