Southampton 1-4 Manchester City: Pep Guardiola's side into FA Cup semi-finals

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says not many players in world football could have scored Phil Foden's goal in the 4-1 win at Southampton.

The Saints were in contention for more than an hour in a tight encounter at St Mary's after Aymeric Laporte's own goal on the stroke of half-time cancelled out Raheem Sterling's early effort.

This FA Cup quarter-final turned on Mohammed Salisu's reckless challenge on Gabriel Jesus that saw Kevin de Bruyne restore City's lead from the penalty spot after 62 minutes, effectively ending Southampton's challenge.

Foden came off the bench to score a magnificent third and Riyad Mahrez rounded the afternoon off with 12 minutes left.

Guardiola claimed Foden and Mahrez made the difference in breaking down a brave Southampton side.

Speaking about the 21-year-old England international's goal, the City boss said: «A few, there are not many but a few, he is one of them who has [the ability to score from there].

»He has an incredible shot, he's quick, fast, he's a fantastic player — we know it. Close to the box he has a sense of goal, he was really brilliant.

«It was a tight game, it was [like] in the Premier League games against Southampton because of the quality they have. They are incredibly organised and in front of the ball they are so aggressive and of course have a good build-up.

»But after 2-1, the second half we were much much better and in the end the quality from Phil and Riyad made the difference."

City will face Liverpool for a place in the final, while Chelsea take on Crystal Palace in the other semi-final.

Manchester City ran out emphatic winners but until Salisu's needless intervention that resulted in De Bruyne's penalty they were threatening to pay a price for carelessness in possession.