Semenyo back-heel finish seals FA Cup for Man City

Manchester City made it a domestic cup double by adding to their Carabao Cup success with victory over Chelsea in the FA Cup final on Saturday.

Antoine Semenyo produced a stunning back-heel finish midway through the second half to decide a tight game as City won 1-0 at Wembley Stadium on Saturday. It’s a 20th trophy for Pep Guardiola in English football, in what could still turn out to be his last season at the Etihad Stadium.

City were the better team in the first half, but Chelsea had a spell of dominance themselves early in the second half.

It was a game of few clear-cut chances, and Semenyo provided the one moment of real attacking quality.

Bernardo Silva picked up the ball outside the Chelsea penalty area and gave Erling Haaland the opportunity to cross, before Semenyo, the January signing from AFC Bournemouth, flicked his finish beyond Robert Sánchez and into the far corner.

City, who lost the previous two FA Cup finals to Manchester United and Crystal Palace, still have the chance to add the Premier League title this season if they can overhaul Arsenal’s lead at the top in the final two games.

Antoine Semenyo’s winning goal will be replayed for years to come as one of the greatest cup final goals.

The City forward has had a big impact on Pep Guardiola’s side since arriving at the Etihad in a £62.5 million transfer from Bournemouth in January, scoring nine goals for the Blues before the Wembley clash against Chelsea.

But none have been more important, or spectacular, than his second-half strike that settled a dreary cup final in City’s favour.

Haaland’s awareness saw the City striker pull the ball back for Semenyo in the Chelsea six-yard box.

The pass seemed to be heading behind Semenyo, but the 26-year-old showed incredible instinct to direct a back-heeled flick into the far corner of Robert Sanchez’s goal and give City the lead. –ESPN

Follow our WhatsApp Channel now! https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbAjG7g3gvWajUAEX12Q

The post Semenyo back-heel finish seals FA Cup for Man City appeared first on Ghanaian Times.

Read Full Story