BY OSABUOHIEN VIVIAN-ROSE
Antoine Semenyo delivered the decisive moment at Wembley as Manchester City defeated Chelsea 1-0 to win the FA Cup Final on Saturday.
The final looked destined for extra time after a tense and tactical contest, with Chelsea frustrating City for long periods through a defensive setup designed to limit attacking spaces. Interim manager Calum McFarlane packed the midfield and backline, hoping to catch City on the counterattack.
For over an hour, the plan appeared to be working. Chelsea stayed organised and even threatened on a few breaks, while City struggled to create clear-cut chances in a scrappy encounter.
But in the 72nd minute, Semenyo produced a moment of brilliance that changed everything. Meeting a clever cut-back from Erling Haaland, the forward flicked a stunning back-heeled finish beyond goalkeeper Robert Sanchez to send the City supporters into celebration.
The goal crowned an impressive campaign for Semenyo, who has enjoyed a remarkable rise this season and now adds the FA Cup to the Carabao Cup title City secured earlier in the year.
Chelsea pushed for an equaliser late on, but Pep Guardiola’s side remained composed to secure another major trophy. The defeat leaves Chelsea facing a disappointing end to the season, with their hopes of qualifying for European football now hanging by a thread.
Despite the loss, defender Levi Colwill impressed with a commanding display at the heart of Chelsea’s defence in one of his strongest performances since returning from injury.
Meanwhile, experienced midfielder Bernardo Silva played a key role in City’s winning move and lifted yet another trophy in what could be his final season at the club.
