The Sky Blues showcased their superiority over local rivals Manchester United with a 2-1 victory at Wembley, propelled by the superb performance of Ilkay Gundogan, who notched both goals, each at the beginning of a half.
Gundogan wasted no time in leaving an indelible mark on the final
In a momentous achievement, Manchester City took a significant stride towards an unprecedented treble by clinching the FA Cup alongside their Premier League triumph. The Sky Blues showcased their superiority over local rivals Manchester United with a 2-1 victory at Wembley, propelled by the superb performance of Ilkay Gundogan, who notched both goals, each at the beginning of a half. Gundogan wasted no time in leaving an indelible mark on the final, firing an exquisite volleyed strike into the back of the net a mere 12 seconds after kickoff, catching many spectators off guard as they scrambled to settle into their seats. This lightning-fast opener set Manchester City on a course towards success, as they dominated the remainder of the first half, dictating play and creating numerous scoring opportunities.
However, Manchester United were granted a lifeline in the 32nd minute when the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) intervened and awarded a penalty for a handball by Jack Grealish just outside the area. Some viewed the decision as harsh, but Bruno Fernandes calmly stepped up and converted the spot-kick, levelling the score at 1-1 as the teams headed into halftime. While Gundogan’s second-half strike wasn’t as early as his first, it was no less impactful. In the 51st minute, he once again displayed his prowess with a stunning volley, restoring Manchester City’s lead and reigniting the hopes of their fervent supporters. Despite further opportunities for star players such as Kevin de Bruyne and Erling Haaland, Gundogan’s subsequent goal was ruled out for offside, denying him a well-deserved brace.
United sought to mount a comeback, injecting energy into their lineup with the introduction of Alejandro Garnacho. However, the resilient Manchester City defence thwarted their advances, holding firm and denying their opponents any breakthrough. The final whistle echoed through Wembley, sealing another remarkable triumph for the Sky Blues and adding yet another illustrious piece of silverware to their burgeoning collection.
With the FA Cup secured, Manchester City now set their sights on the pinnacle of European football—the Champions League final against Inter, scheduled for the following Saturday. Their quest to complete an extraordinary treble is within reach, a feat previously accomplished only by their city rivals, Manchester United. However, this time, United were unable to impede the relentless march of their neighbours at Wembley, underscoring Manchester City’s dominance and their ambition to etch their name into the annals of football history.