Platt living FA Cup dream, again

Manchester City coach David Platt believes the FA Cup still holds a special place in the hearts of English supporters.

City defeated Chelsea 2-1 on Sunday to reach the showpiece final with Wigan on May 11, a result Platt believes is huge in the context of the season.

“It is a big result. There are trophies to play for, you set off every season playing the trophies that you are involved in and you want to win them all,” Platt said.

“The FA Cup has got its own status in this country.

“There is nothing like an FA Cup final in England really, it stands the test of time despite all the euphoria around the Champions League and the Premier League, which are the big prizes let’s not be silly about it.

“It is a great day no matter when it is played, whether it is played at the end of the season or a couple of weeks before the end, it is a great day and we are delighted to be in it.

City face Wigan in the Premier League on Wednesday before another date with Roberto Martinez’s side in the FA Cup final.

City have now defeated arch rivals Manchester United and Chelsea 2-1 in their last two matches and Platt says their level of performance has grown in the latter stage of the season despite not being in contention to win the title.

“I think the performances in the last two have been almost good for different reasons,” he said.

“I think last season we probably eulogised about the manner in which we were playing but at Old Trafford we went and played in a very controlled manner.

“We didn’t dominate in both games, either against Manchester United or Chelsea but we were composed and assured.”