Doku Vows to Win FA Cup After Third Final Attempt as City Chase Treble

Key facts

• Jeremy Doku joined Manchester City in summer 2023 after the club won the FA Cup.
• Doku lost FA Cup finals in 2024 (vs Manchester United) and 2025 (vs Crystal Palace).
• He scored City's equaliser in the 2-1 semi-final win over Southampton on Saturday.
• City will face Chelsea in the final after Chelsea beat Leeds United 1-0 on Sunday.
• City sit three points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal with five matches remaining.
• Doku netted the second goal in City's Champions League win over Napoli on Thursday.
• Doku told Belgian press he was not yet the best version of himself due to lack of pre-season.
• Pep Guardiola is under a two-game touchline ban but will be in the dugout for the Carabao Cup final.

A Personal Quest for Silverware

Jeremy Doku has admitted that the scale of Manchester City's achievement in reaching a record fourth successive FA Cup final has not yet fully sunk in. The 23-year-old Belgium international, who joined the club in the summer of 2023, is driven by a personal desire to finally lift the trophy after losing two previous finals at Wembley. "I think we as a squad don’t realise what we are doing – fourth time in a row, it’s unbelievable," Doku said. "Fair play to everyone in the club. Every year being there after playing against good teams but still reaching the final every time."

Semi-Final Heroics Against Southampton

Doku scored City's equaliser in their 2-1 semi-final victory over Southampton on Saturday, a result that set up a final against Chelsea. The Blues secured their place by beating Leeds United 1-0 on Sunday. "Now we want to win. I’ve not won it yet and it’s something I want to win. It’s something special," Doku added, underscoring his hunger for success.

Champions League Brilliance Against Napoli

Just days before the semi-final, Doku was in fine form in the Champions League, scoring the decisive second goal against Napoli. The winger turned on the edge of the area, drove into the box, and slotted the ball through the legs of goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic in the 65th minute. His performance followed an impressive display against Manchester United in the derby, cementing his resurgence after a period of criticism over his end product.

Doku's Promise of Improvement

Two weeks before his Champions League heroics, Doku had told the Belgian press that the best was yet to come. "I’m not the best version of myself yet," he was quoted by Het Nieuwsblad as saying. "For us players, good pre-season simply doesn’t exist anymore. We get three weeks off and have to be ready again. It takes time to get back on track as a team." He also praised manager Pep Guardiola, saying: "Our coach, Pep Guardiola, is still as passionate as ever and is working even harder to turn things around quickly. Pep isn’t just sitting there for no reason."

Title Race and Treble Ambitions

City's FA Cup final comes amid a potential domestic treble, with the team also chasing Arsenal in the Premier League title race. With five matches remaining, City trail the leaders by three points, though Arsenal have played one game more. Doku expressed confidence in the squad's ability to close the gap. "We know we have the squad to do it. It depends on us – it’s in our hands. We have to play well and focus on ourselves," he said.

Upcoming Premier League Clash

Before the final, City must focus on the league, starting with a trip to Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium next Monday. Guardiola's side will need to maintain momentum as they juggle multiple competitions. The manager, meanwhile, is serving a two-game touchline ban but joked he could go on holiday; he will be in the dugout for the Carabao Cup final.

The bottom line

• Jeremy Doku has lost two FA Cup finals and is determined to win his first with Manchester City.
• He scored the equaliser in the semi-final and a crucial goal in the Champions League against Napoli.
• Doku believes he has not yet reached his best form, citing a lack of pre-season.
• City are three points behind Arsenal in the Premier League with five games left.
• The FA Cup final against Chelsea is part of a potential domestic treble for City.
• Doku's recent performances suggest he is fulfilling his promise of improvement.