Antoine Semenyo stole the headlines at Wembley, as he scored the winning goal as Manchester City beat Chelsea 1-0 in the FA Cup Final.
Pep Guardiola’s side lifted the trophy for the first time since 2023, after coming close in the two prior final stages. It was the reverse, as Chelsea succumbed to their fourth successive final defeat.
Manchester City were in control for the majority of the early exchanges, creating the more notable opportunities, while Semenyo proved influential throughout – with his initial strike cleared inside the box and later attempts denied, and Omar Marmoush lacking the finish inside the penalty area following a threatening cross.
Chelsea could offer little against City in what were, admittedly, periods of pressure. Joo Pedro was well held by James Trafford after pressure from Abdukodir Khusanov, this forcing a tame effort from the Brazilian.
City looked to have found the lead in the opening half hour with an Erling Haaland effort, following a cross from Matheus Nunes, the goal being disallowed on review for offside.
The deadlock was broken, however, in the 72nd minute when a cut-back from Haaland reached Semenyo, who masterfully diverted his finish past Robert Sanchez into the far corner of the goal.
The visitors did mount late pressure in search of an equaliser with an Enzo Fernandez effort coming close, but Manchester City remained solid to claim their eighth title.
The City result gave Pep Guardiola’s men a boost heading into the final stage of the Premier League season.
