By Our Reporter
Manchester City clinched the FA Cup title with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Chelsea at Wembley on Saturday, thanks to a moment of brilliance from Antoine Semenyo.
The Ghanaian winger scored a sensational backheel finish in the second half to hand Pep Guardiola’s side their eighth FA Cup triumph and another major trophy in an impressive campaign.
After a tense and scrappy contest, Semenyo lit up Wembley in the 72nd minute when he cleverly redirected Erling Haaland’s cross into the far corner with an audacious flick.
The goal proved decisive as City secured their second silverware of the season, following their League Cup success against Arsenal in March.
Semenyo’s stunning strike instantly joined the list of memorable FA Cup final goals, alongside iconic efforts from Ricky Villa, Michael Owen, Roberto Di Matteo and Steven Gerrard.
The 26-year-old, who joined City from Bournemouth during the January transfer window, delivered on the big stage against the club he grew up near in west London.
The victory also ended City’s recent frustrations in the competition after consecutive final defeats to Crystal Palace and Manchester United.
Guardiola, who previously won the FA Cup in 2019 and 2023, now boasts 20 trophies during his remarkable spell as City manager.
Despite dominating possession for large parts of the game, City struggled to break down Chelsea’s disciplined defence in the opening half.
Haaland came close on several occasions, while Chelsea threatened on the counterattack and were left frustrated after appeals for a penalty following Joao Pedro’s challenge by Abdukodir Khusanov were waved away.
Chelsea also had a chance shortly after halftime when Moises Caicedo’s header was cleared off the line by Rodri after goalkeeper James Trafford fumbled a corner.
However, City finally found the breakthrough when Haaland burst down the right flank before cutting the ball back for Semenyo, who produced a sublime finish to settle the final.
For Chelsea, the defeat added to an already disappointing season marked by inconsistency and growing frustration among supporters.
The Blues, currently ninth in the league, remain in danger of missing out on next season’s Champions League after another underwhelming campaign under interim manager Calum McFarlane.