Manchester City defeated Chelsea in the final of the FA Cup final to secure their second trophy of the season
John Stones and Bernardo Silva lift the FA Cup after Manchester City defeated Chelsea 1-0 at Wembley.
John Stones and Bernardo Silva lift the FA Cup after Manchester City defeated Chelsea 1-0 at Wembley.(Image: The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
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Manchester City defeated Chelsea 1-0 in the FA Cup final thanks to a moment of brilliance from January transfer signing Antoine Semenyo. The Ghana international has been one of the standout performers in English football this season and his brilliant flick to divert Erling Haaland's cross into the back of the net in the 71st minute to pick up their second trophy of the campaign.
The Football Association (FA) gives 40 medals to players, staff and officials to both clubs in the final, with the majority of the City playing squad rewarded for playing their part.
It doesn't matter if stars do not feature in the final, either in the starting XI or matchday squad, it's the club's discretion who will be given a medal.
Rule 30.(b) states: "In addition to The FA Cup, The Association shall present 40 medals to playing staff andofficials of both Clubs in the Final."
It means the likes of Josko Gvardiol, Rico Lewis, Nico Gonzalez and are likely to be given a medal despite missing the final.
Man City beat Chelsea 1-0 in the FA Cup final
Man City beat Chelsea 1-0 in the FA Cup final(Image: AFP or licensors)
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City are still in pursuit of a domestic treble after Semenyo's spectacular second-half strike broke Chelsea's resistance.
A moment of stunning improvisation proved key to unlock a Chelsea outfit that had organised defensively and executed their gameplan with impressive discipline and determination, only to be undone 18 minutes from the end by what was undoubtedly the finest goal of the City winger's career thus far.
Bernardo Silva threaded the ball to Erling Haaland out wide on the right and he glanced up to spot Semenyo being closely marked by Levi Colwill.
In a moment of genius, combining sharp awareness with exquisite technique, Semenyo let the ball pass between his legs, deliberately flicking his right boot backwards and steered a finish beyond the dive of Robert Sanchez into the net.
Chelsea had opportunities to give interim manager Calum McFarlane a memorable moment from his short tenure as caretaker boss, most notably when Enzo Fernandez flicked inches over from inside the six-yard box.
City's focus now switches to the Premier League title battle and Bournemouth away on Tuesday.
Should this prove to be Pep Guardiola's final campaign in charge, he will depart with at least two pieces of silverware following the Carabao Cup triumph here in March.