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Khadija Shaw and Alex Greenwood delivered stellar performances as newly crowned Women's Super League champions Manchester City completed a remarkable league and cup double on Sunday, cruising to a 4-0 triumph over Brighton in the FA Cup final. It took Andree Jeglertz’s side a while to find their rhythm in the capital, but once they did, they struck twice before half-time to take control — a grip they never relinquished.

Brighton, appearing in their first-ever FA Cup final, actually began the brighter of the two teams despite their lack of big-match experience. Buoyed by their 3-2 win over City just last month that delayed the champions’ title celebrations, the Seagulls dominated possession during the opening 30 minutes. Fran Kirby and Maisie Symonds both saw efforts blocked, while Madison Haley was denied by goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita, who deputised for the injured Khiara Keating.

Once City found their footing, their quality began to show. Early warning shots from Grace Clinton and Shaw went unheeded by Brighton, as Lauren Hemp began to exert influence down the left flank. The breakthrough came courtesy of a Greenwood cross, with Shaw rising highest to beat Brighton keeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and head home. Minutes later, Shaw was fouled on the edge of the area, and Greenwood stepped up to curl a superb free-kick into the bottom corner just before the interval.

After a shaky start, City grew increasingly comfortable. Substitute Aoba Fujino made it 3-0 shortly after the hour mark, finishing coolly just minutes after coming on following excellent work from Shaw on the right. City could have extended their lead further — Rebecca Knaak headed wide, Shaw saw an effort tipped over, and Fujino had another shot pushed onto the post — before Vivianne Miedema put the result beyond doubt. Returning after two months away to be with her mother, who is unwell, the Dutch forward marked her comeback in style by playing a delightful pass wide to Kerstin Casparij and then heading in the resulting cross for City’s fourth goal.

Brighton will rue their missed opportunities after a promising start but failing to convert pressure into goals. For City, this victory caps off a sensational season — ending a six-year wait for another FA Cup triumph and adding to their first WSL title in a decade.

Here are the player ratings from Wembley Stadium:

Goalkeeper & Defence

Ayaka Yamashita (7/10): Had little to do overall but was assured when called upon, making a key early save to deny Haley and showing bravery throughout.

Kerstin Casparij (7/10): Managed her flank effectively both in defence and attack, and delivered a fine assist for Miedema’s late goal.

Jade Rose (7/10): Produced a crucial early block to deny Symonds and marshalled the Brighton forwards superbly, limiting them to half-chances.

Rebecca Knaak (7/10): Confident in possession and worked in sync with Rose to frustrate Brighton’s attack. Nearly added a goal herself with a header that went narrowly wide.

Alex Greenwood (8/10): Outstanding throughout. Despite playing out of position at left-back — an area Brighton had exploited in their previous meeting — she handled the threat effectively and was excellent going forward, delivering dangerous crosses and scoring a stunning free-kick.

Midfield

Yui Hasegawa (6/10): A quieter outing by her high standards. Struggled early as Brighton pressed well but gradually imposed herself as the game went on.

Laura Blindkilde Brown (7/10): Energetic and industrious, moved the ball efficiently and competed strongly in duels throughout.

Grace Clinton (7/10): Worked tirelessly off the ball, found good attacking positions, but her finishing lacked sharpness. Still one of her better displays in a challenging campaign.

Attack

Kerolin (5/10): Found it hard to make an impact and completed just 12 passes before being substituted shortly after the hour mark.

Khadija Shaw (8/10): Another superb showing to cap off a brilliant season. Opened the scoring with a powerful header, won the free-kick for the second goal, and set up the third. A constant menace once City settled.

Lauren Hemp (8/10): City’s upturn coincided with her growing influence. Always dangerous when running at defenders and combined well with both Greenwood and Shaw.

Substitutes & Manager

Vivianne Miedema (7/10): Making her first appearance in two months, the Dutch striker showed sharpness and composure, linking neatly in the build-up to the third goal before scoring City’s fourth herself.

Aoba Fujino (7/10): Took her goal clinically soon after coming on and almost added another, denied only by an excellent Nnadozie save.

Sydney Lohmann (N/A): Replaced Blindkilde Brown for the final ten minutes.

Mary Fowler (N/A): Introduced late on as City saw out the win.

Laura Coombs (N/A): Came on for the closing moments to make the final appearance of her career.

Andree Jeglertz (7/10): His side started slowly but quickly found their stride once key players stepped up. His bold selection choices paid off as City cruised to a comfortable victory.