Man City reach FA Cup final with dominant Forest victory

Goals from Rico Lewis and Josko Gvardiol ensured the Citizens maintained their iron grip on the competition, marking their seventh consecutive semi-final appearance.

The Citizens, appearing at the new Wembley for the 28th time, wasted no time asserting dominance. Within two minutes, Mateo Kovacic surged through Forest's defence, setting up Lewis, who calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the box. "We started with real intent," Pep Guardiola said post-match, praising his team's early aggression.

Nottingham Forest, in only their second Wembley semi-final, struggled to find their footing. Nuno Espirito Santo's Reds managed just 23% possession by the midway point of the first half, overwhelmed by City's relentless pressure.

Jack Grealish, a constant threat on the flanks, created multiple chances, though Forest's defence held firm to trail only 1-0 at the break. "It was tough to settle," Espirito Santo admitted, citing the occasion's weight on his players.

City struck again early in the second half. Omar Marmoush's pinpoint corner found Gvardiol, who rose highest to head home in the 51st minute. "Josko's timing was perfect," Guardiola noted, highlighting the defender's aerial prowess.

City nearly sealed the tie when Marmoush's acrobatic effort was brilliantly saved by Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels.

Forest, desperate to keep their cup dream alive, mounted a late rally. Morgan Gibbs-White struck the crossbar with a stunning volley, then hit the post after rounding Stefan Ortega. Taiwo Awoniyi also saw an effort crash off the woodwork, as Forest struck the frame of the goal three times in a frantic 20-minute spell. 

"We gave everything," Gibbs-White said on X after the match, expressing pride despite the defeat.

City, however, stood firm, showcasing the professionalism that has defined their FA Cup campaigns. Their victory sets up a final clash with Crystal Palace, who are chasing their first major trophy.

Recent X posts from Manchester City's official account hailed the team's "clinical" display, while Guardiola emphasized focus for the final: "Palace are dangerous, but we're ready."

This latest triumph underlines City's dominance in the competition, with their sights now set on an eighth FA Cup crown.

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