Manchester City lifted the FA Cup for the eighth time after Antoine Semenyo’s moment of brilliance secured a 1-0 victory over Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The decisive goal arrived midway through the second half, with Semenyo producing an instinctive backheel finish that ultimately separated two evenly contested sides in the showpiece final. City had to withstand late Chelsea pressure, but Pep Guardiola’s side held firm to complete another major domestic triumph.
The victory also continues Manchester City's remarkable era under Guardiola, delivering a 20th major trophy of his decade in charge and adding the FA Cup to their earlier League Cup success this season. City have now completed a domestic cup double for the second time under Guardiola.
Semenyo delivers decisive Wembley moment
The final itself offered few clear opportunities for either side during a tense opening period.
Chelsea gradually grew into the contest and created pressure of their own, but City found the breakthrough through individual quality. Semenyo’s clever flicked finish capped a swift attacking move and ultimately proved enough to decide the contest.
Having followed City closely throughout the season, there has been a visible pattern in recent months of Guardiola’s side relying on decisive moments rather than overwhelming opponents through constant control. Semenyo has increasingly become one of those match-winners since his arrival.
| Manchester City honours under Guardiola | Total |
|---|---|
| Major trophies | 20 |
| FA Cups | 3 |
| League Cups | 6 |
| Premier League titles | 10* |
source: competition records – 16 May 2026
*Premier League season still in progress.
Bernardo Silva praises City mentality
Captain Bernardo Silva described the latest Wembley success as another special occasion for a squad that continues adding trophies despite ongoing changes in personnel.
“The FA Cup is a really, really special competition. To win it means so much to all the players, management and staff.”
“Being able to lift another trophy at Wembley, where we have played so many times, is such a special feeling. To do so as captain makes this one of the best days of my career.”
His comments also reflected confidence around City’s next generation, with the experienced midfielder suggesting the squad has developed a growing appetite for success.
What it means for Manchester City
Only Arsenal and Manchester United have now won the FA Cup more often than Manchester City, underlining how consistently Guardiola’s side have remained among English football’s dominant forces.
From the final months of City's campaign, there has been a sense of transition alongside continued success. Younger additions have gradually taken on greater responsibility while experienced figures continue driving standards.
However, it remains too early to judge where this latest side ultimately ranks among Guardiola’s strongest teams.
What’s next
City now switch focus back to the Premier League title race, where Guardiola's side remain in contention for another league crown heading into the closing stages of the campaign.
Chelsea, meanwhile, will need to recover quickly after another major final disappointment and assess how this result shapes planning ahead of the summer.
Can this Manchester City side finish the season with another trophy and strengthen Guardiola’s extraordinary legacy even further?
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