For entertainment, quality and sheer dominance, match number 591 of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City career is unlikely to live long in the memory.
But very few can match this 1-0 win against Chelsea for significance and meaning in the career of one of the greatest coaches this competition – or any competition – has seen.
Rumours continue to circulate that Guardiola might leave the club this summer and if that is the case, this success – his 20th at the club and third in the Emirates FA Cup – is a fitting way to go.
Few coaches have embraced the FA Cup quite like the Catalan, whose record is barely believable.
In ten seasons, he has reached nine semi-finals, five Finals and now won it three times. Of 54 FA Cup matches in charge, he has won 46, nine more than the next best team over that time period.
“Five finals in ten years,” Guardiola said. “We have won three, lost two. Quite decent, I would say.”
Decent, indeed.
The FA Cup is ours!!! 🏆🩵 pic.twitter.com/9ihuCs1QDC
— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 16, 2026
This was not a vintage City win. They struggled to break down a resilient Chelsea, who defied their recent league form in a plucky performance, and their game was slightly off. The movement, normally so fluid, was slightly sluggish. Their passing, normally so crisp, was lacking zip.
But in the 72nd minute, with Chelsea increasingly growing in confidence, City conjured a moment of magic – the type Guardiola has inspired for years – to win it.
City, under the cosh after a series of Chelsea chances, rampaged forwards. The ball reached Erling Haaland on the right and his cross found Antoine Semenyo, who reacted instinctively and flicked the ball into the opposite corner.
It sparked pandemonium in the City end and relief in the technical area.
“Usually Antoine crosses for Erland to make the finish but they switched,” Guardiola added.
“Chelsea had chances. Reece James and Moisés Caicedo are so good. They create a pattern that is so good, with Enzo Fernández and Cole Palmer they are so dangerous.
“Second half, they were better [than us] and we found a goal. Sometimes football is like this. Last season against Crystal Palace, then the previous season against United, we were better than today. Sometimes it happens. I’m happy for the guys.”
Part of what makes Guardiola so revered is his penchant for a surprise and he made one here by starting Omar Marmoush ahead of creator-in-chief Rayan Cherki.
However, this time it did not work. Marmoush struggled in the first half and Guardiola, not hanging around, introduced Cherki at half time and the Frenchman was vital in the move that won the game.
Up until that point, Chelsea were on top in the second half. Rodri brilliantly cleared Caicedo’s looping header off the line, while the Blues seemed first to every 50-50.
But then Haaland, Cherki and Semenyo combined brilliantly. Signed from Bournemouth in January, Semenyo has scored ten goals in sky blue, with this his most important. It was an audacious flick, good enough to win any game.
“Marc [Guéhi] and Antoine coming in in wintertime have been fantastic,” Guardiola added.
Trophy number 2️⃣0️⃣ as our boss 👑🏆 pic.twitter.com/DJlNvKzF84
— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 16, 2026
“Only I have the regret at the end, the amount of players that deserved to play didn’t play.
“It’s difficult to swallow. it’s a business in the end and you have to do what you believe.”
By lifting the Cup, this City team are the sixth in English football history to win both domestic competitions in the same season. The Premier League could well follow, even if Arsenal remain the heavy favourites.
“We would love to celebrate now back in Manchester but we will next Monday with a parade with the women’s team and our two trophies,” he added.
“We will see if we can make it three. We try to extend the hope against Aston Villa next week.”
After a troubled 2024-25, which finished with a Cup Final defeat to Crystal Palace, it seems the City machine is firing on all cylinders again.
Guardiola has rebuilt them. The players might be different but the trophies just keep on coming.
“There are so many rumours about you leaving. You’re not are you?,” said TNT Sports presenter Laura Woods. “Rumours?” Guardiola grinned. “Have a lovely evening!”
City fans certainly will. For the past ten years, they have been plenty of them.
