Antoine Semenyo might go down as one of the best-ever January signings after helping Manchester City to the FA Cup. The Ghanaian's genius second-half flick was enough to see off Chelsea and secure another Wembley victory for Pep Guardiola.
The celebrations almost started even earlier for City after Erling Haaland put the ball in the net midway through the first half, but the assistant's flag left him frustrated. Semenyo should have given City the lead just moments into the second half but nodded over. The former Bournemouth man eventually got his goal, though, as he slotted home a sumptuous back-heel from Haaland's cross.
Chelsea had a number of penalty appeals throughout the game, with Joao Pedro and Jorrel Hato among those to appeal, but neither the referee nor VAR thought them worthy of spot kicks. Matheus Nunes could have finished the game but hit the post, meaning Semenyo's goal was all it took for City to secure the FA Cup once more.
Player Ratings: Chelsea
Robert Sanchez: Good saves, particularly one from Haaland, and did not make any of the rash mistakes which can let him down. 7
Wesley Fofana: Played well. Chelsea's back three was disciplined, he fitted in well and used the ball to good effect. 7
Levi Colwill: Thomas Tuchel was in the crowd and would have enjoyed Colwill's calm and composed display. Looks fit and ready. 8
Jorrel Hato: This was a big test on the left of a back three, and he stuck to his task, read danger but tired later on. 6
Malo Gusto: Saw a lot of the ball on the overlap on the right wing. He was a decent outlet, particularly in the first half. 6
Reece James: The Chelsea captain battled away and delivered some good set-pieces but was careless with his passing at times. 6
Moises Caicedo: Patrolled the midfield without making enough happen. Solid performance and, as ever, never stopped. 7
Marc Cucurella: Played the left wing-back role, worked hard, but was substituted after running himself ragged trying to keep up with Semenyo. 6
Enzo Fernandez: Booked. Left his mark on Bernardo Silva with a brutal foul probably designed to stamp his authority on the game. 7
Cole Palmer: There were nice moments when he showed good promise and looked to create chances. Encouraging display in front of Tuchel. 7
Joao Pedro: Worked hard and held the ball up as he often ploughed a lone furrow. Unquestionably one of Chelsea's best recent signings. 7
Player Ratings: Manchester City
James Trafford: Barely had a serious save to make before half time. Kept his focus, though, to keep out a strike from Pedro Neto late on. 7
Matheus Nunes: Left his mark on Marc Cucurella early on. Made a vital headed interception and kept his composure when he needed to. 7
Abdukodir Khusanov: Used his lightning speed to snuff out dangers. Relished the big stage and has developed into a fine centre back this season. 7
Marc Guehi: Barring one blunder, has brought composure and calm to the City defence since joining from Crystal Palace. Never put a foot wrong. 7
Nico O'Reilly: Commanding in both defence and attack. Looks like a seasoned pro, despite only turning 21 in March. What a talent. 8
Bernardo Silva: Even a crude challenge from Enzo Fernandez couldn't knock the Portuguese off his stride. Perpetual motion once again in his last final for City. 8
Rodri: The glue that sticks his side together. Few do the simple things better than him in world football. Ran out of steam, though, and had to be replaced. 7
Antoine Semenyo: Looked a real threat each time he got the ball. Ran Marc Cucurella ragged at times and scored a sublime winning goal. 9
Omar Marmoush: Surprise choice ahead of Rayan Cherki, and fluffed an early chance. Made no impact whatsoever and was hauled off at half time. 5
Jeremy Doku: Flitted in and out of the game. Not one of his most memorable performances after struggling to replicate his recent form. 6
Erling Haaland: Barely touched the ball in the first half, but still almost set up a goal for Marmoush, and was also denied by Robert Sanchez. 6
