Manchester City displayed their big-game experience by brushing aside a luckless Nottingham Forest to reach a third successive FA Cup final.
Manchester City displayed their big-game experience by brushing aside a luckless Nottingham Forest
Pep Guardiola’s side showed how it is done on the big stage. They were ready to pounce on opportunities that came begging and were resolute in defence and also lucky that so many chances hit the post and bar on numerous occasions for Nottingham Forest.
City will now try to finish off a frustrating season on a positive note by winning the renowned cup trophy for the eighth time in their history. They were in control from the first whistle on a warm day in London.
Mateo Kovacic found Rico Lewis on the outside of the box
Within two minutes, the magnificent Mateo Kovacic found Rico Lewis on the outside of the box, and the 20-year-old hammered an accurate finish into the bottom corner to hush the Forest supporters, who were outnumbered in the stands.
In the first half, Forest had trouble settling in, but City saw more opportunities. Omar Marmoush traded passes with Jack Grealish before firing over, and Nico O’Reilly showed some fine movement in the build-up before pulling an effort wide.
However, Callum Hudson-Odoi’s rolled pass across the box seconds after the restart should have tied the score for Nuno Espirito Santo’s team, but Anthony Elanga, who was celebrating his 23rd birthday, missed his first-time attempt from eight yards out.
Josko Gvardiol rising highest to Omar Marmoush’s corner
Six minutes into the second half, City extended their lead thanks to a header from Josko Gvardiol rising highest to Omar Marmoush’s corner. And just like that City gained a commanding lead in the match.
Forest hit the woodwork an amazing three times in an attempt to re-enter the competition. Morgan Gibbs-White went around goalie Stefan Ortega and struck the post from a tight angle after rattling the crossbar with a spectacular effort.
Forest hit the woodwork an amazing three times in an attempt to re-enter the competition
After Ortega stopped Nicolas Dominguez’s header at full stretch from another chance, Forest realized it was not going to be their day as City secured a return trip to Wembley. Taiwo Awoniyi, a substitute, also clipped an effort against the post.
This will be City’s 3rd FA Cup Final in 3 years as they managed to win in 2023 and lost in 2024 to city rivals, Manchester United.
