Manchester City’s pursuit of the Treble remains on track following a resounding victory over Manchester United in the FA Cup final at Wembley. After securing the Premier League title, City now look ahead to the Champions League final against Inter Milan, with a chance to replicate Manchester United’s historic achievement in 1999.
Ilkay Gundogan, the captain of Manchester City, once again emerged as the hero of the crucial match. He etched his name into FA Cup history by scoring the quickest goal ever in a final, a spectacular volley just 12 seconds into the game, surpassing Louis Saha’s 2009 strike for Everton against Chelsea at 25 seconds. United managed to equalize through a penalty converted by Bruno Fernandes after the video assistant referee detected a handball by Jack Grealish.
However, it was Gundogan who ultimately made the decisive impact. Six minutes into the second half, he brilliantly volleyed Kevin de Bruyne’s free-kick past David de Gea, securing City’s seventh FA Cup triumph. With the league and FA Cup in their hands, Manchester City find themselves on the brink of their greatest season to date.
Their attention now turns to the elusive Champions League trophy and a clash against Inter Milan. If they succeed, they will join Manchester United as only the second English club to complete the prestigious Treble, encompassing the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League.
Speaking after the match, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola stated “We can now talk about the Treble. Of course we still have to win the Champions League. We performed so well for our city and our fans.
“They follow man to man so tight and we didn’t expect them to defend so narrow. We found more spaces in the second half.
“Tomorrow and the next day they can have off. We’ve then got three or four sessions to train for Inter Milan. We’ll travel on Thursday morning after training.
“It was so important for us today. The FA Cup is so nice.
“I’m a Barcelona fan but I will love this club for the rest of my life. I know today we gave our fans a good gift to enjoy against our neighbours.”
Manchester United fought valiantly to impede City’s quest, but the newly crowned league champions proved too formidable. Gundogan’s two goals, particularly his stunning early strike, showcased his immense influence on the grandest stages, guaranteeing him a special place in the annals of City’s triumphs. Additionally, John Stones has excelled in his redefined role under Guardiola, showcasing his exceptional skills and composure in midfield.
With their relentless momentum and undeniable dominance, it would come as less of a surprise if Manchester City were to accomplish the Treble rather than fall short. The stage is set for them in Istanbul, and the mood within the team is one of irresistible determination.
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag speaking to BBC after the match: “We are broken, disappointed of course, but I said I am proud of my team. We did very well, we conceded two soft goals but we were in the game. There was a great spirit and very good organisation.
“They were tough goals, they were so soft and avoidable. When you play aaginst City and you don’t concede almost nothing from open play it is a big credit for the team but if you concede goals like this it is disappointing.
“This team showed resiliance, character and personality. We know we have a way to go but this will make us better. It was a test for us, we didn’t succeed but we can take a lot of positives into next season.”
