Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola hailed his side’s 2026 FA Cup triumph as another unforgettable chapter in the club’s golden era after a tense 1-0 victory over Chelsea at Wembley.
A moment of brilliance from Antoine Semenyo proved decisive, with the forward producing a stunning 71st-minute backheel finish to secure City’s eighth FA Cup crown.
The latest success marked Guardiola’s third FA Cup triumph with City and his 20th major trophy since arriving at the Etihad Stadium.
Guardiola reserved special praise for Semenyo, whose January arrival from Bournemouth has transformed City’s attacking options during the second half of the campaign.
“We’re really pleased. This trophy is really cool and the tradition [with it],” Pep said.
“It’s special to win but I had the feeling that last season against Crystal Palace and two seasons ago against United we were better than today but these types of games, the margins are so minimal.
“Since he arrived, Antoine has had a sense of goal. He can play in three positions and in the last game he had an incredible finish.
“It was massive. It was a little swap, normally he crosses to Erling but he has that sense and it was a really good goal.”
City’s victory came only weeks after lifting the Carabao Cup, keeping alive hopes of another remarkable domestic double under Guardiola.
Despite the triumph, Guardiola admitted there would be little time for celebration with the Premier League title race still ongoing.
“No [there will be no celebration]. Not one beer.
“Next Monday we are going to celebrate with a parade in Manchester. Chelsea had seven days to prepare the final.
“We spent six hours yesterday travelling on the train. It’s a problem in this country!
“I think we behaved good and we are stable. Finals can be changed with margins.”
The Wembley success also carried emotional significance for long-serving stars Bernardo Silva and John Stones, who are both expected to leave City this summer.
Guardiola insisted their legacy at the club extends far beyond silverware.
“Absolutely [it’s nice for Bernardo and John] but if you have to judge their service here today on whether they win the trophy, it’s not about that,” Pep stressed.
“They have been incredible and I have so much gratitude for how they represent this club in the best way possible.
“Bernardo is a machine and today he showed it again.”
The City manager also admitted selection decisions ahead of the final had been difficult.
“Always I had that feeling but still right now I cannot overcome the feeling that many incredible players could not play.
“Six didn’t travel and Phil [Foden] played incredible on Wednesday night but did not play.
“It’s tough but it is what it is. John and Bernardo are leaving but we have two games and hopefully we can fight for the Premier League.”
With the FA Cup secured, Manchester City now turn their attention back to the Premier League title race as Guardiola’s side continue their pursuit of another historic finish to the season.
The victory at Wembley once again underlined City’s dominance under Guardiola; and showed that even after a decade of success, the hunger for trophies remains stronger than ever.
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