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Manchester City captured their second trophy of the campaign as Antoine Semenyo’s second-half strike earned them a 1-0 victory over Chelsea in the FA Cup final on Saturday. Pep Guardiola’s side came out on top in what was largely a subdued contest at Wembley, with Semenyo’s exquisite flick, netted 18 minutes from time, proving decisive as City lifted the trophy for the eighth time in their history.

With Chelsea content to sit deep and City struggling to create clear chances, the first half lacked intensity and goalmouth action. Erling Haaland saw an effort disallowed after Matheus Nunes was deemed offside in the build-up, before the Norwegian forward struck straight at Robert Sanchez following a fine pass from Marc Guehi just before the break.

Semenyo came close to opening the scoring early in the second half but headed over from Nico O'Reilly’s inviting cross. At the opposite end, Rodri produced a vital clearance, nodding away Moises Caicedo’s goal-bound header with goalkeeper James Trafford caught out of position.

The match opened up midway through the second half, and City seized their moment. Haaland exchanged passes with Bernardo Silva before delivering a first-time cross that Semenyo brilliantly flicked beyond Sanchez into the bottom corner. Chelsea nearly hit back immediately through Enzo Fernandez, who volleyed narrowly over the bar following a long throw.

Matheus Nunes and Rayan Cherki both forced good saves from Sanchez as City searched for a second goal to seal the win, but it wasn’t needed as Guardiola secured the 20th trophy of his managerial reign at the club.

Here are GOAL’s player ratings for Manchester City from Wembley Stadium:

Goalkeeper & Defence

James Trafford (5/10):

Appeared slightly nervous at times despite not facing many direct shots on goal.

Matheus Nunes (6/10):

Drove forward purposefully on several occasions and held his own in duels against Fernandez and Pedro.

Abdukodir Khusanov (6/10):

Occasionally loose in possession, but his pace proved useful in cutting out several Chelsea attacks.

Marc Guehi (6/10):

Distribution from the back was inconsistent, though his superb through-ball for Haaland before half-time stood out. Also made a couple of crucial defensive interventions inside the box.

Nico O'Reilly (7/10):

Another impressive Wembley outing for the Carabao Cup final hero. Delivered a few dangerous crosses and handled the task of containing Palmer effectively.

Midfield

Rodri (6/10):

Lasted just over an hour on his return from injury. Controlled the tempo well in midfield, with his standout contribution being a vital goal-line clearance to deny Caicedo.

Bernardo Silva (7/10):

Relentless in his pressing and running despite City’s limited numbers in midfield. Played a key role in the winning goal with his quick exchange with Haaland.

Attack

Antoine Semenyo (8/10):

City’s biggest attacking threat in the first half, consistently outpacing Cucurella. Missed a good header after the break but redeemed himself brilliantly with his classy finish to seal the win.

Omar Marmoush (4/10):

Failed to make an impact while partnering Haaland up front. Substituted at half-time after another forgettable FA Cup final for the Egyptian forward.

Erling Haaland (6/10):

Had little involvement as he dropped deep to find space, with his search for a Wembley goal continuing. Nevertheless, he provided a fine assist for Semenyo’s winner with an excellent first-time cross.

Jeremy Doku (5/10):

City looked to involve him frequently, but Gusto and Palmer combined well to limit his influence. Kept trying to create openings without much success.

Substitutes & Manager

Rayan Cherki (6/10):

Offered more of a threat than Marmoush after being introduced at half-time. Could have wrapped up the match but shot straight at Sanchez late on.

Mateo Kovacic (6/10):

Came on for Rodri and kept the midfield composed against his former team.

Pep Guardiola (5/10):

His decision to start Marmoush over Cherki backfired, though he corrected it at the break. Not his best tactical display, but another medal adds to his impressive collection.