Jack Grealish insists there “only would have been one winner” had Manchester City taken Liverpool to extra time at Wembley on Saturday.
City’s FA Cup run came to an end at the semi-final stage as they were beaten 3-2 by their title rivals at the national stadium. The Blues were ultimately left with too steep a mountain to climb after falling 3-0 down before half-time, with Sadio Mane’s brace putting Liverpool firmly in control.
City did threaten to stage a remarkable comeback in the second half, with Grealish pulling a goal back immediately after the break. Bernardo Silva grabbed a second late on to set up a tense finish, with Liverpool just about holding on to their lead to book a place in the final.
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The Blues were ultimately made to pay for their poor first half showing, despite a much-improved performance in the second-half. Grealish is adamant, though, that City were just moments away from finding an equaliser and would have gone on to book their place in the final had they found it.
"If we had another five minutes, we would have got that goal. If we had taken them to extra time, I think there only would have been one winner,” Grealish told the club’s website.
“It wasn't meant to be, but we still have the Champions League and Premier League to play for. We need to pick ourselves up and get back on track. We started slow. The whole of the first half, Liverpool were on top whether that be pressing, possession and the scoreline as well.
“For us, it was not an ideal first half and I think that cost us in the end. We didn't have the first half we wanted to. We came in at half-time, the manager made a few changes and I think we were much better for it in the second half. In the end, it was just too little too late."
The defeat ends City’s hopes of a treble this season, although they can still complete a Premier League and Champions League double. And Grealish still believes they are in the best position to win on both fronts.
"You just go in there and look at the talent and experience we have in that dressing room and I don't think anyone else in the league has a dressing room like it," Grealish added. "Our performances, the competitions we're in and where we are in the league speaks for itself. Hopefully, by the end of the season, we will have the Premier League and Champions League."
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