Antoine Semenyo is proving to be one of the most outstanding signings of the season, and also the author of one of the most beautiful goals in the FA Cup.
This classy backheel of the winger helped Pep Guardiola's Manchester City win another title, thereby continuing to affirm the position of the "machine" of victory under the Spanish strategist.
Man City completed a domestic cup double after previously winning the Carabao Cup, and clearly they have not given up their ambition to conquer more major titles.
Semenyo plays a particularly important role in the impressive acceleration phase of The Citizens in the second half of the season. The £62.5 million contract from Bournemouth in the January transfer window is showing value beyond expectations when bringing new vitality to Man City's attack.
In recent weeks, Jeremy Doku has been a name that attracts a lot of attention. However, this final belongs to Semenyo with an excellent performance, beautiful goals and an emotional celebration after the final whistle.
After two consecutive defeats in the FA Cup finals, Guardiola finally raised this title for the third time. The Spanish coach fully enjoyed the moment of victory when continuously hugging his students and even members of the security team on the field.
Although Guardiola's long-term future at the Etihad is still a question mark after nearly a decade of resounding success, he certainly understands that he possesses a special team. This may not be the most invincible Man City version, but they still maintain their bravery and fearsome winning habit.
Chelsea caused a lot of difficulties for Man City. Under the guidance of interim coach Calum McFarlane, the London team played with full effort and discipline, forcing the opponent to create a different moment to break the balance.
Chelsea also had times of playing brightly, but that made many people even more question why they could not maintain that form throughout the season. It was not until the 72nd minute that the deadlock was broken. That was also the time Man City accelerated strongly.
Erling Haaland continues to be unlucky at Wembley when he has not been able to score at this stadium, but the Norwegian striker still left his mark with an assist. Overall, Man City is the team that played better and completely deserved to win, especially in the context that Bernardo Silva may be experiencing the final matches in the Citizens shirt.
In the stands, Man City fans kept singing the names of Silva and Guardiola as their team raised the trophy. Despite winning countless titles under Guardiola, they still enjoyed every moment of victory with familiar enthusiasm.
In this match, Guardiola used an attacking 4-2-4 formation with Doku and Semenyo on both wings, and Haaland paired with Omar Marmoush in attack. Haaland had a few chances but could not beat Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
Chelsea started slowly but gradually regained the game before the break. In the second half, Guardiola brought Rayan Cherki in to replace Marmoush and this adjustment quickly worked.
While Moises Caicedo had a header blocked right on the Chelsea goal line, Man City gradually completely controlled the game thanks to the bravery of a big team. The decisive moment came when Cherki passed the ball to Haaland before the Norwegian striker made a favorable cross for Semenyo to unleash a technical backheel, sending the ball into the far corner of the goal.
In the remaining time, Man City preserved successful results. Chelsea tried to find an equalizer but were powerless against the opponent's defense.
In the last minutes of injury time, Haaland had a chance to face the goal. However, instead of finishing to end his goalless streak at Wembley, he proactively kept the ball to save time to preserve victory for his team.
