FA Cup: Aguero, Nasri help Manchester City sink Chelsea

Manchester City withstood a valiant fightback from Chelsea to win a gripping FA Cup semi-final 2-1 at Wembley Stadium on Sunday and knock the holders out of the competition. (All AFP Photos and text)

10 minutes before half-time, City went ahead.
Toure slipped a pass inside to Aguero, who in turn found Nasri, and when the Frenchman's attempted return pass bounced back to him off Cesar Azpilicueta, he lashed the ball past Cech from close range.

James Milner then saw a goalbound shot hit Aguero and Kompany spurned a fine chance in first-half injury time, side-footing wide from 10 yards after Cech could only parry Milner's cross.

It was an opportunity that City were to rue for only two minutes of the second half, as Aguero doubled his side's advantage in the 47th minute.

Benitez gave his side a pair of fresh legs in the shape of Fernando Torres, still sporting a black mask to protect his broken nose.

Ba might have been at risk of being withdrawn, but instead it was John Mikel Obi who made way, and the Senegal striker vindicated Benitez's re-shuffle by reducing the arrears in the 66th minute.

The Romanian goalkeeper, Costel Pantilimon, 6"8' in height, then produced two important saves in quick succession, first swiping the ball off Juan Mata's toes and then thwarting Ba from close range after Hazard was allowed to manhandle Gael Clichy to the ground.

For Chelsea, there will be no fifth FA Cup in seven seasons, and although there is the consolation of a Europa League semi-final with Basel, interim manager Rafael Benitez will hope his tired squad still have enough energy for the battle to win a Champions League place.