SEMENYO SCORES STUNNING BACK-HEEL AS MAN CITY BEAT CHELSEA 1-0 TO WIN FA CUP
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By ‘Sefiu Ajape
Antoine Semenyo scored a stunning back-heel winner as Manchester City defeated Chelsea 1-0 to win the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.
Semenyo lit up an otherwise scrappy contest in the second half when he improvised a brilliant finish from Erling Haaland’s cross, delicately flicking the ball into the net with an audacious back-heel.
The Ghana international’s moment of brilliance secured City’s eighth FA Cup title and their second trophy of the season, following their League Cup triumph over Arsenal in March.
With the goal, Semenyo joined the list of iconic FA Cup final scorers that includes Ricky Villa, Michael Owen, Roberto Di Matteo, and Steven Gerrard.
Ironically, the 26-year-old forward—signed from Bournemouth in January—was born close to Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge home in west London.
The victory ended City’s run of back-to-back FA Cup final defeats against Crystal Palace and Manchester United.
Manager Pep Guardiola lifted the FA Cup for the third time after previous successes in 2019 and 2023, taking his tally to 20 trophies during his decade-long spell at City.
Guardiola’s attention will now shift back to the Premier League title race, where City remain outsiders in pursuit of league leaders Arsenal.
Ahead of his 24th visit to Wembley with City, Guardiola joked that he was “so disappointed” not to have a stand named after him at the stadium.
Speculation surrounding the Spaniard’s future also continues, with Guardiola yet to clarify whether he will remain at the club beyond this season as he enters the final year of his contract.
If this proves to be the closing chapter of Guardiola’s City era, Semenyo ensured it would include another unforgettable triumph.
For Chelsea, the defeat marked another setback in a difficult campaign.
The Blues, now without a win in their last seven league matches, remain stuck in ninth place with fading hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.
Under interim manager Calum McFarlane, Chelsea delivered a spirited but toothless display, while frustrated supporters protested against owners BlueCo before kick-off and chanted, “We want our Chelsea back.”
City dominated possession for much of the opening half but struggled to create clear openings against Chelsea’s compact five-man defence.
Haaland missed an early chance after stealing possession near Chelsea’s box before forcing goalkeeper Robert Sanchez into a strong save with a powerful effort late in the first half.
Chelsea were angered before the break when their penalty appeal was dismissed after Joao Pedro appeared to be brought down by Abdukodir Khusanov.
Semenyo squandered a good opportunity shortly after halftime, heading over from close range, while Moises Caicedo saw a header cleared off the line by Rodri.
But City eventually found the breakthrough in the 72nd minute when Haaland burst into the area and squared the ball to Semenyo, who produced a sublime back-heel finish into the far corner to seal the victory.
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