Jeremy Doku has shared what Pep Guardiola told his Manchester City players to target against Newcastle United.
Manchester City made history on Saturday as they became the first team in English football history to reach the FA Cup semi-final six years in a row.
Pep Guardiola’s side secured yet another trip to Wembley with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Newcastle United.
Bernardo Silva was the difference-maker as he was at the double in the first half but both his goals took wicked deflections.
The first strike after 13 minutes hit a Magpies defender and looped over goalkeeper Martin Dubravka while the second was deflected away from his sprawling dive.
Jeremy Doku believes City played well as they followed Guardiola’s instructions on the pitch.
Jeremy Doku on beating Newcastle
When asked by BBC Football Daily how crucial scoring early was, Doku said: “Very important.
“We had some chances but we didn’t score.
“I think the goal was a little bit lucky but sometimes football is like this and we needed that goal.
“Bernardo played well and we’re happy with the goal and also the clean sheet.
“I think we played all well. I tried to just play my game.
“I saw in the middle there was a lot of space, we have the quality to turn and to go with the ball and drive with the ball and look for the space.
“That’s what we did. That’s what the coach asked us to do and we did it well.”
Can City actually win another treble?
Guardiola has been quick to shut down any talk of his side potentially winning the treble again.
Any question he’s asked about the possibility is met with a deep sigh, rolled eyes and the same answer: almost no chance.
In fact, Guardiola actually rated the possibility of it happening at0.01 per cent.
However, those odds are going up and up with every passing week.
The Blues are now in the FA Cup semi-finals, the Champions League quarter-finals and the Premier League title race. So, can they do it?
The Champions League will be the biggest hurdle as ever and City couldn’t have got a tougher draw than Real Madrid.
If they overcome a much-improved Los Blancos, then it will be either Arsenal or Bayern Munich waiting for them.
The luck of the draw will have a big part to play with the FA Cup, too.
City could get Championship side Coventry City but also Liverpool or Chelsea – if they advance on Sunday – two teams they’ve struggled against this season.
Then the title race. The reigning champions are a point behind Liverpool and Arsenal and face the Gunners next. A must-win game.
So you can’t rule City out of the treble but it’s going to be so difficult.