Antoine Semenyo’s moment of brilliance was enough to hand Manchester City a 1-0 win over Chelsea in the FA Cup final at Wembley, as Pep Guardiola’s side lifted the trophy for the first time since 2023.
City dominated possession in the early stages and created several chances, with Semenyo twice seeing efforts blocked and Omar Marmoush getting a touch on one of them. Rodri also had a header blocked, but City were unable to truly test goalkeeper Robert Sanchez despite controlling large spells.
At the other end, Joao Pedro had a chance for Chelsea but slipped as he shot, with James Trafford gathering comfortably. A Matheus Nunes cutback allowed Erling Haaland to tap home just before the half hour mark, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Haaland did force the game’s first proper save shortly before half time, with Sanchez turning his first time effort behind.
Guardiola introduced Rayan Cherki at the break and the Frenchman made an immediate impact, helping create a chance that Semenyo headed over. Chelsea grew into the game and looked increasingly dangerous from set pieces.
The decisive moment came on 72 minutes. Haaland pulled the ball back and Semenyo produced an ingenious flick that crept inside the far post. Enzo Fernandez came close to levelling straight away, but City held firm.
The win gave City their eighth FA Cup title, equalling Chelsea’s tally, and condemned the Blues to a fourth defeat in their last four FA Cup finals. Semenyo was named man of the match.
