Antoine Semenyo’s stunner fires City to FA Cup glory over Chelsea

Manchester City claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Chelsea in the FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.

Neither side carved out a meaningful opening until the 27th minute, when Erling Braut Haaland bundled home Matheus Nunes’ low delivery at the back post, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.

The contrast remained evenly balanced until the 44th minute, when Haaland tested Robert Sanchez, who produced a strong save at his near post to deny the City forward.

In first-half stoppage time, Chelsea appealed for a penalty after Joao Pedro went down under Abdukodir Khusanov’s challenge inside the area, but following a VAR review, the referee, Darren England, waved play on.

Three minutes after the restart, Antoine Semenyo came close to putting City in front when he connected with Nico O’Reilly’s cross at the back post, only to nod narrowly over.

At the other end, Rodri came to City’s rescue with a crucial goal-line clearance to deny Moises Caicedo after Trafford failed to deal with a corner.

Moments later, Chelsea appealed for another penalty after Joao Pedro went down under Khusanov’s challenge while attempting to reach Malo Gusto’s inviting cross, but the referee waved play on again.

In the 72nd minute, Semenyo finally broke the deadlock with a deft finish from Haaland’s low cross.

At the other end, the Blues almost responded straightaway through Enzo Fernandez, who flicked Levi Colwill’s pass towards goal, but his effort sailed over the bar.

In the 78th minute, Chelsea appealed once more for a penalty after Khusanov appeared to lean into Jorrel Hato and knock the defender off balance, but VAR upheld Darren England’s decision to let play continue.

Moments later, the Citizens almost doubled their lead through Nunes, whose deflected effort came back off the foot of the post, before Sanchez palmed away Rayan Cherki’s powerful strike.

On the stroke of full-time, Liam Delap could’ve restored parity for Chelsea after he met Gusto’s cross, but he headed wide.

Manchester City have secured their eighth FA Cup title and a 15th major trophy under Pep Guardiola, while Chelsea’s Wembley woes continue with a seventh successive final defeat.