Man City edge Chelsea to lift FA Cup as Guardiola’s project bears fruit

LONDON: Manchester City secured the FA Cup with a narrow 1-0 win over Chelsea at Wembley, as Pep Guardiola’s long-term project at the club continued to deliver major silverware.

City claimed the decisive victory through a 72nd-minute moment of quality, enough to settle a tightly contested final and add another trophy to Guardiola’s already decorated spell in charge.

The result takes Guardiola’s tally to 15 major titles as Manchester City manager over the past decade, including three FA Cups, six Premier League crowns, five League Cups and a Champions League triumph.

After the match, City players praised the Spaniard’s influence, with captain Bernardo Silva crediting him for shaping his career and calling much of his development down to the manager’s guidance. Defender John Stones also pointed to Guardiola’s demanding standards and winning mentality as key to the club’s sustained success.

Guardiola himself stressed that stability within the club structure has been central to City’s dominance, saying consistent backing from the board has allowed the team to build lasting success rather than short-term progress.

He also dismissed speculation about his future, brushing off questions regarding a possible early exit despite ongoing reports in the British media.

The victory also underlined the contrast with Chelsea, who continue to struggle for consistency amid frequent managerial changes under their current ownership.