Two first half Bernardo Silva goals secured City’s ticket through to the last four once again and another date at Wembley next month.
It was the sixth consecutive season City had reached the FA Cup semi-finals, the first time any English side has achieved such a feat.
The latest win also ensured City kept firmly on track for another treble with the side also through to the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals and lying third in the Premier League just a point off top spot.
And for the boss, as he reflected on a fine evening’s work, Saturday’s latest triumph was merely further evidence of the consistency, drive and hunger that have been the hallmark of his time at the Etihad.
“To expect [to be] coming back from the last international break with two months left and be in contention for all the titles means a lot,” Pep declared in his post-match press conference.
“People talk about the Premier League and Champions League but when you win four Carabao Cups in a row and get to six FA Cup semi-finals in a row, this team and this club has something special.
“We want to win all of them but sometimes it is not possible because of the quality of the opponents and the schedule we have.
“I remember playing away in the quarter-finals of the Champions League and then at Wembley is so difficult.
“To arrive in your best condition in those situations is difficult but we were there.
“Always you can have a bad night but when you have six times in a row [FA Cup semi-finals], you have less bad nights.
“This is the consistency that proves people who doubt the team wrong.”
