Manchester City withstood a valiant fightback from Chelsea to win a gripping FA Cup semi-final 2-1 at Wembley Stadium yesterday and knock the holders out of the competition
Goals in each half from midfielder Samir Nasri and striker Sergio Aguero put City in control, but Chelsea replied through Demba Ba, only for Roberto Mancini’s men to resist the holders’ desperate search for an equaliser.
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Fifteen points behind Manchester United in the Premier League, City seem destined to relinquish their league crown, but they will be strong favourites to defeat Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup final on May 11 and reclaim the trophy they won in 2011.
Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez felt his team were denied a late penalty as Vincent Kompany appeared to wrestle Torres to the turf as the striker raced onto a through-ball in the penalty area. “Was it a penalty? Yes, clearly,” said Benitez.