Author: Soorya G
Premier League champions Manchester City, who are aiming for a third title, completed the second stage of their historic trophy cabinet by emerging victorious in the FA Cup final against Manchester United. Pep Guardiola’s men beat their cross-town rivals 2-1 in a very tight game. German star Ilkay Gundogan, in what may be his last games for the team, has earned legendary status at the club after another influential performance. Gundogan scored twice in both halves as City looked set to secure the second trophy of their campaign, with the Champions League final against Inter Milan still to come.
Guardiola was as extravagant as ever in his team selection, choosing German goalkeeper Stefan Ortega in goal instead of first-choice keeper Ederson, while Nathan Ake stayed on the bench for most of the game. Riyad Mahrez and Phil Foden didn’t start, while Bernardo Silva and Jack Grealish came into the side. Meanwhile, Erik Ten Hag’s selection was mostly as expected, as the Dutchman dealt with a number of injured players. The notable tactical change was Christian Eriksen in the number ten role, with Bruno Fernandes on the right wing.
The game kicked off with a number of sporting legends in attendance, including the great Sir Alex Ferguson. For the Scottish legend’s former team, tragedy would strike almost immediately when Manchester City scored in the first minute. Ilkay Gundogan found himself in a free space after receiving the ball from Kevin de Bruyne on the pitch, following Erling Haaland’s tackle. Gundogan showed how dangerous he can be in free space and hit a shot into the top corner, leaving United stunned. The opening goal left United in a state of shock, as the Red Devils almost conceded another goal just moments later when Spanish midfielder Rodri was the target of a clever ball from De Bruyne.
Rodri headed the ball towards goal, but only managed to hit the side netting. A few minutes later, Erling Haaland caught the Manchester United defense off guard as he got to Jack Grealish’s ball with frightening speed, but he couldn’t shoot as well as he would have liked, allowing David de Gea to make a simple save. De Bruyne, who created plenty for City, took a shot from 25 meters, leaving De Gea in trouble, but the Belgian’s shot narrowly missed the post.
In the 30th minute, United were awarded a penalty by referee Paul Tierney, which some considered a harsh decision against Grealish, whose hand was grazed by Wan Bissaka’s header. Nevertheless, Bruno Fernandes converted the penalty with confidence, sending Ortega the wrong way and sending the ball into the other corner. United couldn’t hold on to the lead for long as they conceded early in the second half, again through the same lethal combination of De Bruyne and Gundogan. The pair combined beautifully, with the Belgian lifting his free-kick over the bar to Gundogan, who slotted past De Gea to give City the lead back.
United made several attempts to get back on level terms, with De Gea making a couple of saves to prevent further bleeding at the back. Marcus Rashford had a great chance that didn’t work out, as did Garnacho. Gundogan looked to have scored a hat-trick in the FA Cup final, but was adjudged to have occupied an illegal position; Haaland, who had the chance before De Gea’s fine save, should have scored. Even so, after a few tense moments in injury time, City lifted the trophy to keep their hopes alive. The team faces Inter Milan in the Champions League final on June 11.