Five Things Learned: Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United (FA Cup Final) | OneFootball

Manchester City completed two thirds of their treble pursuit, following an emphatic 2-1 victory over local rivals Manchester United in the Emirates FA Cup Final.

It was an explosive opening which fit the occasion perfectly, as City took a lead after just 13 seconds following a rifling Ilkay Gundogan volley, which left David De Gea stranded between the sticks.

As expected, the following period of the match was cagey, as both sides tentatively tried to manoeuvre their way into the game. However, United would strike next, against the run of the play.

After a headed effort into the middle of the box struck Jack Grealish on the hand, United were contentiously awarded a penalty following a VAR review by referee Paul Tierney.

Bruno Fernandes stepped up to the responsibility and placed the ball past Stefan Ortega in the Manchester City goal, drawing United level just past the half hour mark.

The equaliser allowed United to grow into the game, as City took a back seat in the match with the red side of Manchester growing in confidence after the goal.

It was honours even as the first half drew to a close, with both sides displaying overall nerves despite the composed authority taken on by the captain’s of both sides on the day.

The second half started in a similar fashion to the first, with City taking a foothold in the match, as despite United lasting longer than 13 seconds this time, it wouldn’t take too long for the Blues to restore their lead.

Ilkay Gundogan would step up to the mark once again! Receiving a floated pass from a free-kick on the edge of the box, the German midfielder struck the ball past David De Gea, giving City another massive lead over their local rivals.

It was a second half which produced elation and desperation, as City tried profusely to keep United at bay and maintain their lead.

Their efforts would be rewarded, as Manchester City claimed bragging rights and secured a monumental FA Cup final victory against their local rivals.

The first ever Manchester derby FA Cup final was won by the Sky Blues, as City emerged 2-1 victors thanks to an Ilkay Gundogan brace.

With that being said, here are five things we learned from the historic derby day victory!

Ilkay Gundogan: A Manchester City LEGEND!

The word “legend” is a term used loosely in the modern era, but we think it’s a perfectly fitting description for the club captain of Manchester City.

Integral to the way City play, Gundogan is a staple in the Manchester City side and has been for a number of years.

Cropping up with several important goals over the years, the midfield maestro has cemented himself alongside the most famous names at the club.

With his future uncertain following links to Barcelona this summer, it seems like a crucial bit of business for the club to retain the midfielder, and reward Gundogan with the two-year contact he is reportedly looking for.

The John Stones role.

A defensive midfielder is often described as playing “the Makelele role”, but Yorkshireman John Stones has copyrighted a role of his own, with the defender/midfielder immense yet again in City’s victory.

Transitioning into midfield when in possession, the centre-half plays a crucial part in the City experience in the middle of the park, flooding the midfield and crowding the opposition out.

John Stones has gone from a boy to a man under the influence and guide of Pep Guardiola, and his latest role in this Manchester City side emphasises the maturity and development the Englishman has experienced during the Catalan’s tenure.

The “noisy neighbours” have taken over!

With the ability to eclipse United’s greatest achievement with a victory over Inter Milan, Manchester City have simply made a mockery of Alex Ferguson’s description of the club over a decade ago.

Establishing themselves as one of Europe’s elite, Manchester City have excelled since Ferguson issued the infamous quote, with Saturday’s victory the perfect showcase of that.

The power lies in the hands of Guardiola and his players to make even more history next weekend, with Inter Milan the only thing that lies between Manchester City and a historic treble this season.

Two down, one more to go!

History beckons, as the UEFA Champions League Final lies ahead next Saturday, with the affair against Italian giants Inter Milan being Manchester City’s last match of an incredible campaign.

Pep Guardiola and the Manchester City players have been quick to dismiss talks of the treble prior to the FA Cup final, but the talks have now begun as players dare to dream about what can be accomplished following a victory next Saturday in Istanbul.

Arguably one of the biggest game in the club’s history lies ahead, with several players looking to rectify the heartbreak endured in the final of 2021 which saw defeat against Chelsea.

City have the chance to redeem themselves on Saturday and secure an unprecedented treble this season.

A big summer lies ahead!

With the future of players like Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan uncertain, it will be a massive summer ahead for City.

Pep Guardiola was quick to praise Manchester City’s director of football Txiki Begiristain in his post-match interview after the FA Cup final for his recruitment.

Often praised for their astute business, the club must get it right again this summer if they are to expand on their achievements this season, with the potential for fatigue and complacency to creep in next campaign.

Whether the club prioritise tying down the rumoured players leaving or recruiting replacements, it’s a massive summer that lies ahead for the Premier League champions, as City look to do what they do best and win more silverware next year.