Man City 2-1 Manchester United: Ilkay Gundogan at the double to win FA Cup and keep Treble dream alive
The Premier League champions were ahead after just 13 seconds, the fastest goal in FA Cup final history, when Ilkay Gundogan was first to pounce on a loose ball to volley home and stun both sets of fans.
It was an ominious start from City, who left United players largely chasing shadows in the first half until VAR intervene and awarded United a controversial penalty.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s header back into the area flicked off Jack Grealish’s fingers, and referee Paul Tierney was eventually told to take a second look after play had continued. He went to the pitchside monitor and then duly pointed to the spot. Bruno Fernandes sent Stefan Ortega the wrong way.
United finished the half stronger, but were soon handed another setback soon after the restart as again City’s Captain Fantastic, Gundogan, volleyed home a Kevin De Bruyne corner from the edge of the area to reestablish the lead.
Gundogan thought he had completed a hat-trick soon after, tucking home after David de Gea saved an Erling Haaland shot, but the offside flag was quickly raised.
Alejandro Garnacho made an impact after coming on, the best chance being a curling effort which fizzed past Ortetga’s far post, before John Stones was on hand to clear off the line in injury time as United came without inches off forcing extra time through Scott McTominay.
City held on to win their second FA Cup in five years and will now look ahead to next Saturday and their Champions League date with destiny as they look to beat Inter Milan and win the Treble.