Nasri in new run of form

Samir Nasri feels he has found form at the “right moment” as Manchester City home in on FA Cup glory.

The French midfielder continued his recent burst of form with an influential display in City’s 2–1 semi–final victory over Chelsea at Wembley.

Manager Roberto Mancini joked he could punch the 25–year–old last month after what he felt was a belated display of his true potential.

Nasri’s underwhelming performances earlier in the campaign – including an infamous moment when he ducked in a defensive wall against Manchester United – had brought criticism from Mancini.

But there was no mistaking his desire and determination to impress as he troubled Chelsea throughout a gripping semi–final.

Nasri struck after combining neatly with Sergio Aguero and although he benefited from a ricochet, it was no more than then dominant City deserved.

Aguero added a second with a looping header from a Gareth Barry free–kick early in the second half but Demba Ba hooked in a superb reply to set up a tense finish.

The Londoners applied most of the pressure thereafter and substitute Fernando Torres had a late penalty appeal denied but City held on to book a final date with Wigan.

City’s win ended the reign of the holders and took them a game closer to regaining the trophy they won in 2011.