Match Report & Player Ratings: Chelsea 0-1 Manchester City (FA Cup Final) | OneFootball

In a game that begged for a simple goal to end it at either side, Antoine Semenyo pulled off a spectacular, back-heel finish to help Manchester City edge past Chelsea in the FA Cup final at Wembley. 

For 71 minutes, Pep Guardiola’s side dug, chiseled and hacked away some more at the Chelsea defence but couldn’t get the ball into the back of the net until their £65 million January signing once again showed his worth on the back of a flashed Erling Haaland cross from the right side of the box.

Having won 21 of their last 23 games in the competition but ultimately with recent memories of FA Cup final losses to Manchester United and Crystal Palace in their mind, Guardiola wouldn’t have only wanted to win his 20th trophy at the club but also take some momentum into the final hurdles of the Premier League title race.

Here, a rather cagey first-half featured a number of chances from both teams but nothing could be done at either end to break the deadlock.

Haaland did put the ball into the back of the net on the back of a lashed, low cross by Matheus Nunes on 27 minutes but the right-back was instantly flagged offside, the decision confirmed following a swift VAR check. 

There was an obvious command from Guardiola’s side, who had more possession, shots and shots on target by the half-time break, but a lack of penetration meant frustrations were rising on the sky blue half of Wembley.

Omar Marmoush, keeping his place as Rayan Cherki was benched, tried to stab an effort in after six minutes but couldn’t connect well enough while Nico O’Reilly helped raise hopes three minutes later by drawing a corner out of Calum McFarlane’s side. 

The good news for Chelsea ahead of kick-off was that Reece James would return, and what an important part he would play; the England international helped Chelsea grow in form that saw Marc Cucurella and Joao Pedro threaten.

For City, this fourth FA Cup Final in as many years – and the first of such a record in the history of the competition – meant perhaps a tad more for Guardiola amid uncertainty over his future and their dominance frustrated Chelsea, with Enzo Fernandez and Cucurella succumbing to yellow cards in quick succession. 

However, frustration comes in many forms and the City supporters would have certainly felt some aggravation when Semenyo sliced a left-footed shot out for a throw-in. 

Chelsea’s presence was progressive but only after Haaland tested Robert Sanchez at the rear of the opening period before, only two minutes into the second half, Semenyo leapt high and headed narrowly over the crossbar. 

The former Bournemouth man got closer and closer by the minute to that all-important goal and, by some margin, Chelsea won’t walk from Wembley thinking that this loss wasn’t deserved.

In fact, despite Semenyo’s opener after 72 minutes, Chelsea came awfully close only a minute after the restart when Fernandez latched onto Levi Colwill’s flicked header, which brushed the crossbar in entertaining fashion. 

Then, on 85 minutes, the ball was back in City’s possession and while Cherki couldn’t slot a second into the back of Sanchez’s net from 18 yards, the only thing that will be remembered from this day is Pep’s number 20. 

Here’s how we rated the Manchester City players from their FA Cup final victory against Chelsea at Wembley! 

Starting XI

James Trafford – 7

Hardly tested in a game that was dominated by City until the last 30 minutes or so. Made a slight error when he ran the ball out for a corner but, fortunately, nothing came of it. 

Matheus Nunes – 6.5

Like O’Reilly down the left, Nunes was consistent in trying to get the ball into the Chelsea penalty area. Not only that, but he made a vital intervention in the opening 20 minutes when steering Gusto’s cross for a corner. 

Marc Guehi – 5.5

Strong in the box and generally good output. Was a consistent threat on corners and worked closely with Khusanov to stop the ever-dangerous Pedro. There were moments where options could have been more optimal, but a good performance no doubt.

Abdukodir Khusanov – 7

As ever, he used blistering pace and intelligent initiative to track Chelsea attackers down, notably Joao Pedro, and was physically the strongest defender on the pitch. The highlight moment was when he tracked back to prevent Pedro from scoring on a counter.

Nico O’Reilly – 6.5

Made direct and aggressive runs down the left when trying to crack Chelsea’s low block and showed promise throughout when trying to constantly get the ball into the box. 

Rodri – 6

Led the midfield with intelligence, experience and strength. Could only last 60 minutes before his engine ran out, which was expected due to his absence, but put in a maximum-effort shift.

Bernardo Silva – 6

Carried a constant threat in the midfield and whipped some impressive balls in. But, like much of this performance, City couldn’t take advantage of the chances created. 

Jeremy Doku – 6.5

Despite being sat down by Fofana at the end of the first half with a slick dribbling move, Doku was switched on and always on his toes.

Omar Marmoush – 5.5

Could have done a better job from a finishing standpoint but floated around, playing a similar role as to what Cherki does, and created some promising chances.

Antoine Semenyo – 7.5 (POTM)

From the worst shot of the game to the best! Semenyo’s effort from inside the penalty area was the moment where spirits were finally lifted in a game that was fairly frustrating from a City standpoint. One to remember and a great overall performance from the scorer.

Erling Haaland – 6.5

Tested Sanchez towards the end of the first period after scoring when Nunes was found offside. Moved fluidly and got in the right areas. It was simply a lack of City chance creation that came to his misfortune. 

Substitutes

Rayan Cherki – 7

Replaced Marmoush at the perfect time and created many chances. Perhaps a sub that won City the game indirectly.

Mateo Kovacic – 6

A great replacement for Rodri, who seemed gassed out by the hour. Showed so much discipline in the middle and helped the structure in the last 30 minutes.