Domestically, the only thing standing in Manchester City’s way in their quest for a treble was Manchester United in the FA Cup final.
With Manchester United the only team in England to complete such a feat, there was some added motivation for the red side of Manchester.
However, any pressure Manchester City may have been feeling leading up to the match was quickly taken away as Ilkay Gundogan volleyed one from outside the area just 15 seconds into match — making it the fastest goal in FA Cup history.
GUNDOGAN SCORES THE FASTEST GOAL EVER IN AN FA CUP FINAL 😤
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 3, 2023
CITY LEAD UNITED! pic.twitter.com/txTMksdVgK
But Manchester United wouldn’t simply lie down.
The Red Devils would get back in the game after they were awarded a penalty. Following a VAR review, the referee called a handball as Jack Grealish got his fingertips on an attempted headed cross from Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Bruno Fernandes would convert from the spot.
It was the first goal Manchester City had conceded in the FA Cup.
As has been the case down the stretch, Gundogan once again played hero.
Only six minutes into the second half, Gundogan tried to volley another ball from outside the area. He didn’t strike it as cleanly as his opener but nevertheless, it skidded past three Manchester United players and into the back of the net. David de Gea also could have done better.
GUNDOGAN SCORES HIS SECOND OF THE GAME TO GIVE CITY A 2-1 LEAD 😱 pic.twitter.com/CVdDQeU5u6
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 3, 2023
Both teams had a couple of scoring opportunities with Manchester United’s best chance at equalizer coming late in the following a series of headed attempts that ended up with the ball at the top of the net.
In the end, Manchester City were able to see the game out and win the FA Cup.
Gundogan, once again, proved to be the difference maker for Manchester City. In his last six games, the midfielder has six goals and two assists. He’s come up huge in big games like today and in the second leg of the Champions League semifinals against Real Madrid.
His contract is up at the end of the season with Manchester City trying to reach an agreement on an extension. Unsurprisingly, there are other teams after him with Barcelona considered as a likely landing spot.
“He knows what I think,” said Guardiola about Gundogan after the match.
“Txiki is working on it. Hopefully he can be successful.”
With the win in the FA Cup final, Manchester City have now done the domestic double. The Premier League champions will be looking to become only the second team in England to achieve a treble when they take on Inter Milan in the Champions League final on June 10.