City's-Glorious-Victory:-Triumph-Over-United-in-FA-Cup-Showdown

Manchester City Triumph Over Manchester United in FA Cup Final

Manchester City took a significant stride towards achieving a historic treble by defeating arch-rivals Manchester United 2-1 in the 2023 FA Cup final. Pep Guardiola maintained his perfect record in domestic cup finals while leading the Cityzens.

Any pre-match jitters within the City camp were quickly dispelled by İlkay Gündoğan, who stunningly volleyed home within 13 seconds, breaking the record for the fastest goal in an FA Cup final previously held by Louis Saha (25 seconds in 2009). City continued to apply relentless pressure, seeking an early second goal, but struggled to create clear-cut opportunities despite their dominance. A header by Rodri that hit the side netting was the closest Guardiola's side came to doubling their lead before halftime.

Against the run of play, United were handed a lifeline when Aaron Wan-Bissaka's header brushed the fingertips of Jack Grealish, resulting in a penalty awarded after VAR consultation. Bruno Fernandes confidently converted the spot-kick, leaving City visibly rattled and fortunate to enter halftime on level terms after Raphaël Varane squandered a golden opportunity.

Resuming the second half with similar intensity, City once again pressed forward. Gündoğan had a chance to replicate his earlier heroics, but his volley from the edge of the box missed the mark. However, history repeated itself as Gündoğan struck a powerful half-volley in the 51st minute, sneaking the ball low into the corner and sparking jubilation among City's passionate fans behind the goal.

Although there may be questions about David de Gea's role in City's second goal, United's goalkeeper prevented the game from slipping further out of reach by denying a fierce shot from De Bruyne. United rallied for an equalizer, and substitute Alejandro Garnacho came agonizingly close with a curling effort narrowly missing the post. In the dying moments, a scramble ensued with a red shirt heading narrowly over the bar while City's defense weathered an uncharacteristic moment of panic.

However, that was as close as Erik ten Hag's men would come, as City secured their second trophy on their quest for a legendary treble. The victory carried even more significance as it came against their fiercest rivals, adding a sweet touch to their pursuit of emulating United's treble triumph of 1999. The final chapter of City's journey will unfold in Istanbul in seven days' time.

Credits: Flashscore

Watch Highlights