Manchester City secured the FA Cup by defeating Chelsea 1-0 in a tense final at Wembley. The decisive goal came in the 72nd minute, when Antoine Semenyo scored an attractive fifth-minute goal to secure the "Citizens" a domestic double. After the celebrations, Croatian representatives Mateo Kovačić and Josko Gvardiol were seen posing with the trophy.
Mateo Kovačić entered the game in the 65th minute, replacing Rodri who had recently returned from injury and was visibly lacking energy. The Croatian midfielder was a crucial factor in the match's closing stages, as Chelsea attempted to equalize and force extra time.
Gvardiol Rested for Season Finale
In contrast to Kovačić, Josko Gvardiol did not even make the bench. Despite playing in the previous league match against Crystal Palace, manager Pep Guardiola decided to use only fully prepared players for this match, leaving the Croatian defender on the sidelines.
City still has two matches left in the league, where they hope to clinch the title from Arsenal, and it is expected that Guardiola rested Gvardiol for the crucial matches ahead.
This FA Cup win is huge for City, but I can't help but wonder how different the season might've been with a healthy Gvardiol from the start. What do you think, would he have made a difference?