Riyad Mahrez has become the first-ever player to score an FA Cup semi-final hat-trick at Wembley Stadium after netting all three goals in Manchester City's 3-0 win over Sheffield United on Saturday.
The Citizens initially struggled to break down a resilient Blades backline, but they eventually broke the deadlock two minutes before half time courtesy of a converted penalty from Mahrez after Daniel Jebbison caught Bernardo Silva inside the penalty area.
Pep Guardiola's side dominated proceedings after the interval and doubled their lead just after the hour mark when Mahrez capped off a brilliant solo run through the centre of the pitch with a left-footed strike into the far corner.
City's No.26 completed his hat-trick just five minutes later, sweeping a first-time finish beyond Wes Foderingham after receiving a cross from the left from Jack Grealish to send Guardiola's side in the final.
Mahrez, who was unsurprisingly named Man of the Match, has increased his goal tally across all competitions to 15 for the season, including five goals in as many FA Cup matches.
The Algerian winger has become the first player to score an FA Cup semi-final hat-trick since Alex Dawson netted a treble for Manchester United against Fulham back in 1958.
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Man City have taken another step towards winning the treble, with their victory over Sheffield United ending their three-year losing streak in the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
The Citizens have also become the first team to reach the FA Cup final without conceding a single goal since Everton in the 1965-66 campaign, winning all five games en route to the final by an aggregate score of 17-0.
Speaking to ITV after the game, Mahrez said: "It feels very good [to score a hat-trick]. The most important thing is that two or three seasons in a row we've come here in the semi-finals and lost. Today, we wanted to make sure we got to the final. I think I had a good game.
"I don't know really which goal was the best. It's a good team achievement and we took the game seriously.
"It means a lot to be in final. We really want to work hard in every competition going. We're in the final of the FA Cup which is amazing.
"Now we have to concentrate on the [Premier League] and the next game against Arsenal. We have a very good squad and a very good team. We have to keep going."
Man City will face either Brighton & Hove Albion or Manchester United in the FA Cup final on June 3.
Oliver Thomas
