Ilkay Gundogan is the FA Cup hero (©Getty Images)
Ilkay Gundogan is the FA Cup hero (©Getty Images)

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Reading Time: 3min | Sat. 03.06.23. | 18:58

Manchester City overcome rivals United at Wembley Stadium to lift the FA Cup

Two down, one to go. Manchester City remained on course to a historic Treble with a FA Cup final victory over Manchester United. It was a hard-fought 2-1 victory for the Cityzens, in which their captain Ilkay Gundogan scored at the start of each half to seal the Premier League and FA Cup Double for his team.

It was the first team the two Manchester giants met in an FA Cup final, and the game didn't disappoint. Captain Gundogan, probably living his final days as a Manchester City player, made sure the fans remember him as one of the best players ever to wear the sky blue shirt. He scored a magnificent volley after just 13 seconds to send the blue half of Wembley stands into raptures.

In the opening half an hour, United looked like they'd be steam-rolled before half-time, but Erik Ten Hag's team recovered in time and started to mount a bit of pressure after initially failing to break into the opponents' half. One of their attacks resulted in a VAR check that found a Jack Grealish handball in the box and awarded a penalty for the Reds. Bruno Fernandes converted the kick confidently, sending goalkeeper Stefan Ortega the wrong way.

As the first half approached its end, United attacked with more conviction, but it was clear that we'd see more goals. Gundogan restored his team's lead shortly after the break with a highly technical left-footed volley that bounced its way into the corner of David De Gea's net despite the Spaniard's desperate dive.

United's best chance came courtesy of substitute Alejandro Garnacho's curling shot that ended just wide. City started to hold the ball more prudently after Garnacho's attempt and only allowed for a Marcus Rashford long-range shot that flew over the crossbar. And when Ten Hag brought Wout Weghorst on in search of a late equaliser, it looked like admitting defeat. Still, the Reds had a late goalmouth scramble that looked like giving them a chance to take the game to extra time. It wasn't to be, though.

Pep Guardiola's side had a chance to seal the win through the unusually quiet Erling Haaland, but the Norwegian chose to take an unnecessary touch when well-positioned to take the shot from the edge of the box.

The final whistle brought the unpleasant realisation for Manchester United fans, the one confirming their "noisy neighbours" are now the undisputed rulers of England - and still on course to emulate their 1999 Treble.

FA CUP FINAL

Saturday

Manchester City - Manchester United 2-1 (1-1)

/Gundogan 1, 51 - Fernandes 33 pen/


tags

Ilkay GundoganFA CupManchester CityManchester UnitedBruno Fernandes

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