Pep Guardiola acting nonchalant at the final whistle, Antoine Semenyo feeling relieved after a recent poor run of form, Garnacho brought on with 4 minutes to play. Exactly what any Manchester fan, City or United, would want to watch on a Saturday evening.
4 shots on target compared to Chelsea’s one highlights the difference in form between the two Premier League giants. Chelsea manager Calum McFarlane couldn’t join this prestigious list of Managers who have beaten Pep Guardiola in a final;
José Mourinho – Real Madrid (1-0 AET) vs. Barcelona | (2011) Copa del Rey Final
Thomas Tuchel – Chelsea (1-0) vs. Manchester City | (2021) UEFA Champions League Final
Erik ten Hag – Manchester United (2-1) vs. Manchester City | (2024) FA Cup Final
Oliver Glasner – Crystal Palace (unknown exact score) vs. Manchester City | (2025) FA Cup Final
Erling Haaland should have scored on multiple occassions but managed to have a decent game, providing the assist for Semenyo in the 72nd minute. The Citizens would then hold out for the win with a rather controlled performance, no hype, just balance.
Chelsea have now lost their seventh consecutive final at Wembley.
A huge turning point in the game is when Pep showd his tactical masterclass, unleashing Beast Cherki in the second half after Omar Marmoush produced a disasterclass, completely outplayed and outmuscled by Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo in midfield. Cherki changed the game, City had more composure under pressure, enough to hold out Chelsea till they found a goal.
On the bright side for Chelsea fans, according to Fabrizio Romano, Xabi Alonso is confirmed to be the next manager. Here we go!
