Liverpool's Mohamed Salah (L) is challenged by Manchester City's Nathan Ake during the FA Cup semifinal match between Manchester City and Liverpool in London, Britain, on April 16, 2022. Liverpool won 3-2 and advanced to the final. (Xinhua)
LONDON, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Liverpool booked their place in the FA Cup final with an entertaining 3-2 win against Manchester City in the first semi-final at Wembley on Saturday afternoon.
Less than a week after the two teams had shared four goals in the Premier League, Manchester City paid for a slow start, which was probably the result of the changes coach Pep Guardiola made in the wake of his side's draining 0-0 draw away to Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
Ibrahima Konate headed Liverpool ahead in the ninth minute and Sadio Mane doubled their lead eight minutes later and looked to have sealed the win with his second of the match, just before halftime.
However, Jack Grealish pulled a goal back for City almost immediately after the restart and Bernardo Silva netted a second in the last minute to give the match more emotion.
Chelsea and Crystal Palace play in the second semi-final on Sunday.
In the Premier League, Tottenham missed a chance to strengthen their grip of fourth place when they lost 1-0 at home to Brighton.
Leandro Trossard's last-minute goal after swerving past Eric Dier, shocked Tottenham, who were below their best, while giving Brighton their second consecutive win in North London after beating Arsenal last weekend.
Arsenal slumped to a third consecutive defeat as Southampton beat them 1-0 thanks to Jan Bednarek's 44th minute goal and a series of excellent saves from Frasier Forster, who frustrated all of Arsenal's efforts.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick to save three points for Manchester United at home to bottom team Norwich City.
Ronaldo opened the scoring in the seventh minute and doubled his side's advantage just after the half-hour, before Kieran Dowell pulled a goal back for Norwich in first half injury time and Teemu Pukki leveled in the 52nd minute to once again highlight United's weaknesses.
Norwich kept on attacking United, who needed a couple of good saves from David de Gea before Ronaldo blasted a 76th minute free kick through Norwich's defensive wall to lift his side above Arsenal.
Pontus Jansson netted a 95th minute winner for Brentford to give them their fifth win in their last six games and assure their top flight survival with a 2-1 win away to Watford, who have now lost their last 10 home matches.
Christian Norgaard put Brentford ahead in the 15th minute and although Emilio Bonaventura equalized 10 minutes into the second half, Jansson decided an entertaining game for the visitors. ■
Liverpool's Sadio Mane celebrates after scoring during the FA Cup semifinal match between Manchester City and Liverpool in London, Britain, on April 16, 2022. Liverpool won 3-2 and advanced to the final. (Xinhua)
Liverpool's Sadio Mane celebrates after scoring during the FA Cup semifinal match between Manchester City and Liverpool in London, Britain, on April 16, 2022. Liverpool won 3-2 and advanced to the final. (Xinhua)
Liverpool's Sadio Mane (R) is tackled by Manchester City's John Stones during the FA Cup semifinal match between Manchester City and Liverpool in London, Britain, on April 16, 2022. Liverpool won 3-2 and advanced to the final. (Xinhua)
Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate (R) celebrates after scoring the first goal during the FA Cup semifinal match between Manchester City and Liverpool in London, Britain, on April 16, 2022. Liverpool won 3-2 and advanced to the final. (Xinhua)
Liverpool's Sadio Mane dives in to score during the FA Cup semifinal match between Manchester City and Liverpool in London, Britain, on April 16, 2022. Liverpool won 3-2 and advanced to the final. (Xinhua)
Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate (Front) celebrates after scoring the first goal during the FA Cup semifinal match between Manchester City and Liverpool in London, Britain, on April 16, 2022. Liverpool won 3-2 and advanced to the final. (Xinhua)
Liverpool's goalkeeper Alisson Becker is seen during the FA Cup semifinal match between Manchester City and Liverpool in London, Britain, on April 16, 2022. Liverpool won 3-2 and advanced to the final. (Xinhua)
Liverpool's Luis Diaz (L) is fouled by Manchester City's Joao Cancelo during the FA Cup semifinal match between Manchester City and Liverpool in London, Britain, on April 16, 2022. Liverpool won 3-2 and advanced to the final. (Xinhua)
Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate (L) is pulled back by Manchester City's Phil Foden during the FA Cup semifinal match between Manchester City and Liverpool in London, Britain, on April 16, 2022. Liverpool won 3-2 and advanced to the final. (Xinhua)
