Ba 66 Nasri 35, Aguero 47
City's FA Cup semi-final victory over holders Chelsea summed up exactly what it's like to be a City fan: agitation, excitement and more recently, success.
The Blues carried their sizzling form from Monday night's derby into Wembley and bullied Rafael Benitez's men in the first half. Yaya Toure contently commanded the midfield, making that new four-year contract all the more sweeter for the blue faithful who were in full voice throughout the game.
The 2011 winners took a deserved lead on 35 minutes when Samir Nasri lifted the ball over Petr Cech following a goal mouth scramble. And they didn't stop there. Minutes after the break returning superstar Sergio Aguero headed a fine effort, reminiscent of his buddy Lionel Messi in 2009's Champions League Final, into the top right hand corner to make it 2-0. Game over? Definitely not, it is City at the end of the day...
Mancini's men failed to capitalise on their two goal lead and Chelsea, desperate to defend their trophy, found their fighting spirit that helped them overcome Manchester United in the previous round. That terrifying trio of Mata, Oscar and Hazard began to tease City's defence and on 66 minutes, Demba Ba acrobatically fired home from a mesmerising David Luiz ball.
Mancini's decision to keep Costel Pantillimon between the sticks was met with disapproval before the game, but the big Romanian justified his place with a string of immaculate stops. Chelsea pressed and Pantillimon parried, he would not be beaten.
With their hearts in their mouths, the Citizens in the stands were treated to the final whistle after four minutes injury time and a second FA Cup final in two years. The league may not be ours, but with Wigan to play in the final, you'd think the FA Cup is.
May 11th 2013, 15.00pm. Don't miss it.
Player Ratings
Costel Pantillimon 8Justified his starting place with a string of saves late in the second half to keep Chelsea out. May have done enough to secure his place between the sticks on May 11th.
Pablo Zabaleta 7Solid. Had little trouble with Oscar who could have posed a threat.
Vincent Kompany 7His 60 yard ball to Barry for City's second showed off the centre backs skills and yet again, the Belgian was solid.
Matija Nastasic 7Terrific once again. Proving game after game he could be one of the best defenders in European football for years to come.
Gael Clichy 6The vulnerable one in City's back four. Allowed Chelsea in on a number of occasions but often found himself leading City's counter attacks with his scintillating pace.
Yaya Toure 9Absolutely dominated the a midfield full of stars. Surged forward and created City's first.
Gareth Barry 7Landed a perfect ball on the head of Aguero for City's second and did a great job sitting in behind Yaya.
Samir Nasri 7Starting to show why Mancini paid all that money for him. Grabbed City's opener and was instrumental in their attack.
James Milner 6A quiet one for Milner, possibly still exhausted from him man of the match performance at Old Trafford on Monday.
Carlos Tevez 7Put Chelsea's defence under an incredible amount of pressure and nearly scored with an effort from a tight angle in the first half.
Sergio Aguero 8Thank God he's back. Bullied Chelsea's back four all game and scored a great header to put City two up. Should have been sent off for a nasty lunge at Luiz.
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