Manchester City secured their place in a third successive FA Cup final after a dominant 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at Wembley on Sunday.
Pep Guardiola’s team, aiming to salvage a turbulent season, took the lead early through Rico Lewis before Josko Gvardiol doubled their advantage in the second half, ensuring a comfortable semi-final triumph.
City will now meet Crystal Palace at Wembley on May 17 after the Eagles beat Aston Villa 3-0 in the other semi-final. This will mark City’s 14th appearance in an FA Cup final, offering them the chance to lift the trophy for the eighth time and the third since Guardiola took charge in 2016.
After losing to Manchester United in last year’s final, Guardiola will be keen to restore his side’s silverware collection, especially as Liverpool’s win over Tottenham earlier in the day officially ended City’s reign as Premier League champions.
Forest, who remain two points behind third-placed Newcastle but with a game in hand, were no match for City’s slick and relentless pressing.
Making only their second trip to Wembley since its reopening in 2007, Forest struggled to match City’s intensity, particularly in a first half where they failed to register a single shot and managed only one touch inside the City box.
City quickly stamped their authority when Lewis blasted a low drive into the bottom corner after Forest allowed him too much space.
Guardiola’s side continued to dominate, with youngster Nico O’Reilly coming close to extending the lead. Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo’s decision to field 18-year-old Zach Abbott at right-back backfired as the youngster was repeatedly exposed.
Although Forest showed more fight after the interval, with Anthony Elanga missing a golden chance and Morgan Gibbs-White hitting the crossbar and post, City remained ruthless. Gvardiol headed home from a corner to seal the victory, as Forest’s late surge proved too little, too late.
Manchester City now look ahead to the final against Palace, determined to avoid a first trophyless season under Guardiola since 2016-17.
