Manchester City claimed the FA Cup with a 1-0 victory over Chelsea, sealed by a clever Antoine Semenyo flick. Pep Guardiola collected the trophy for a third time and earned a 20th major title in 10 years at the club. City also secured the domestic cup double again, matching the 2018-19 season by winning both the FA Cup and the EFL Cup.
Guardiola now has an 85% win rate in the FA Cup, with 46 victories from 54 matches, the best record for any manager who has overseen at least 10 games in the competition. The success comes amid reports that the Spaniard could leave at the end of the season, although Guardiola has also indicated a desire to honour a contract running until June 2027.
Guardiola has repeatedly suggested that motivation will decide the length of his Manchester City stay, saying earlier that “the moment the fire decreases, we will go home.” After the Wembley win, Guardiola again underlined that theme, linking performance standards to daily behaviour, and pointing out that the Premier League race allows no delay when a squad needs time to find rhythm or stability.
Asked directly about his drive and how long it might last, Guardiola said: “The moment the fire decreases, then we will go home. I am a funny guy, Guardiola told BBC Sport. This year, I have been really good. Last season was the toughest season for many reasons. This season, it is every day about how we behave. Maybe, we took time to find some stability with the team. In the Premier League, it doesn’t wait.” Those words again suggested commitment, but also showed Guardiola is aware of the physical and mental strain.
Guardiola stressed that there would be no lengthy celebrations, with another key fixture close. When asked if the dressing room would enjoy the success with a drink, Guardiola replied: “Not even one [beer]. You know Bournemouth [away on Tuesday]. That will be even tougher. [We will [try to go there and get a result.” The comments underlined City’s focus on the schedule and the need to reset quickly after Wembley.
While Guardiola looks likely to continue, John Stones is preparing to leave Manchester City after a decade, with a final appearance expected against Brentford next weekend. Stones has collected 17 major honours since arriving, but stayed on the bench as an unused substitute against Chelsea. That decision meant Stones watched the full FA Cup final from the touchline rather than from the pitch.
Stones explained the mix of pride and disappointment at Wembley, as City closed out the narrow win. Stones said: “I wanted to be involved in the game. As a player, it’s hard to take, especially when a lot of us played the semi-final, Stones told BBC One. It’s part of adapting and getting behind the team. It wasn’t the best game today in terms of chances or how we actually played in the first half, but to stick in there and fight like we did is incredible. I think after the game, the atmosphere and the love that was shown for me personally, and to lift the trophywhichI didn’t really want to do with Bernardo [Silva] it was a nice touch. I can’t put it into words. I said it before, but I never would have believed or thought 10 years ago that this would be happening. I would have a song and be so loved, it’s so overwhelming. It’s really special.”
Reflecting on a challenging campaign, Stones described limited minutes and a spell on the sidelines during winter. Stones added: “It’s been a difficult season. I think the first half of the season, I played quite a lot of games and was involved, but I picked up a little injury in December, and have been back since then. It’s football. I haven’t got the answers really for why [I haven’t played].” The defender now approaches the Brentford fixture knowing it will end a significant chapter at Manchester City.
The FA Cup win extends Manchester City’s recent dominance in domestic competitions, with Guardiola strengthening an already outstanding record in the tournament and across all fronts. At the same time, Stones’ impending departure highlights how this successful era is evolving, as long-serving players move on while Guardiola weighs motivation, contracts and the demands of competing every few days.
Story first published: Sunday, May 17, 2026, 2:47 [IST]
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