The double for Manchester City. Shortly after winning the 2022-2023 edition of the Premier League, the Citizens won this Saturday afternoon at Wembley against Manchester United in the FA Cup final (2-1). Pep Guardiola’s players made a historic start to the match. Indeed, after only twelve seconds of play, Ilkay Gündogan opened the scoring with a splendid volley at the entrance to the penalty area; it is quite simply the fastest goal in the history of the FA Cup finals. The Red Devils struggled to react, being particularly clumsy with the ball but also, and above all, too little enterprising. However, Erik ten Hag’s men managed to equalize thanks to a twist of fate. In an aerial duel with Aaron Wan-Bissaka in his own penalty area, Jack Grealish committed – probably unintentionally – a hand. A gesture which offered – after viewing the video – a penalty to Manchester United. Bruno Fernandes did not miss this opportunity; the Portuguese deceived the vigilance of Stefan Ortega with a small flat foot (33rd). It is therefore on a score of parity that the two teams returned to the locker room.
After the break, Manchester City went back to their old ways: hogging the ball to look for lags. It didn’t take long for this strategy to pay off. Because in the 51st minute, on a corner kick from the right, Ilkay Gündogan – him again! – restored the advantage to the Citizens with a volley from the left foot, not very powerful, certainly, but well placed. Again trailing, the Red Devils pushed to get back into the game…but without success. They have only too rarely brought danger past Stefan Ortega’s cages; and this, despite the entry into play of several players – even if we can highlight the good performance of young Alejandro Garnacho, very active on his left side. Pep Guardiola and his men thus logically won the match…and lifted their second trophy of the year 2023.
