By Frank Ulom
Manchester City secured their second trophy of the season after defeating Chelsea 1-0 in Saturday’s FA Cup Final, with Antoine Semenyo scoring the decisive second-half goal at Wembley.
The final proved to be a cagey and largely uneventful contest, with both sides struggling to create clear-cut opportunities for long periods. However, Semenyo’s sublime flicked finish in the 72nd minute handed City victory and the eighth FA Cup title in the club’s history.
Pep Guardiola’s side dominated possession for much of the encounter but lacked their usual attacking sharpness against a disciplined Chelsea defence content to sit deep and frustrate the Premier League champions.
City thought they had broken the deadlock in the first half when Erling Haaland found the net, but the effort was ruled out after Matheus Nunes was adjudged offside in the build-up.
Haaland later had another opportunity shortly before the interval after being played through by Marc Guehi, but his strike was comfortably saved by Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
Semenyo came close early in the second half when he headed over from Nico O’Reilly’s delivery at the back post. Chelsea also threatened moments later as Rodri produced an important defensive header to clear Moises Caicedo’s effort off the line with goalkeeper James Trafford beaten.
The breakthrough eventually arrived midway through the second half. Haaland combined neatly with Bernardo Silva before delivering a first-time cross into the area, where Semenyo expertly flicked the ball beyond Sanchez into the bottom corner.
Chelsea nearly responded immediately through Enzo Fernandez, whose volley from a long throw narrowly cleared the crossbar.
City pushed for a second goal late on, but Sanchez denied both Nunes and Rayan Cherki to keep Chelsea in contention until the final whistle.
The victory marked Guardiola’s 20th trophy as Manchester City manager, further cementing his legacy at the club.
