Double secured! Pep Guardiola set for a graceful exit this summer, with only the “Two Blues” left in the FA Cup semifinals

After a trophyless previous season, Manchester City continue to face challenges this year. They were knocked out of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 by a depleted Real Madrid side and now trail Arsenal by nine points in the Premier League. The possibility of going two consecutive seasons without winning either the league or the Champions League is becoming increasingly real.

However, Pep Guardiola still guided City to a League Cup triumph over Arsenal. His emotional celebrations with family afterward sparked speculation among fans and media that he may be preparing to step down this summer. A domestic double could serve as a fitting farewell.

In the FA Cup quarterfinal, City delivered a dominant 4-0 win over Liverpool. Erling Haaland scored his first hat-trick of the season, while Semenyo contributed both a goal and an assist. Under Arne Slot, Liverpool looked out of form, with Mohamed Salah missing a clear chance and a penalty—highlighting a difficult campaign for the Egyptian star. With a place in the semifinals secured, City now have their eyes firmly set on the FA Cup title.

In contrast, Arsenal suffered a shock defeat, losing 1-2 away to Championship side Southampton and crashing out in the quarterfinals. Mikel Arteta once again faces scrutiny as his team shows signs of a late-season dip—having already lost the League Cup and now eliminated from the FA Cup. Despite their nine-point lead in the league, doubts are beginning to surface.

With Arsenal out, only two “Big Six” clubs remain in the FA Cup semifinals—Manchester City and Chelsea. The remaining spots will be filled by Southampton and the winner between West Ham United and Leeds United, both still battling relegation concerns. The path to the title now looks favorable for City.

If Guardiola does depart after a decade in charge, a League Cup and FA Cup double would be the perfect send-off. Meanwhile, the Premier League race is not over yet—City still have a crucial home clash against Arsenal, and with Arsenal juggling Champions League commitments, any slip could hand City back the initiative.