Manchester City secured their place in the FA Cup final, winning 2-0 against Nottingham Forest at Wembley. Rico Lewis made headlines by becoming the youngest goalscorer at Wembley for City since 1981. Josko Gvardiol added a second goal in the second half, ensuring the victory. Pep Guardiola lauded both Lewis and Mateo Kovacic for their exceptional performances, particularly noting Kovacic's recent form. Despite some narrow escapes, City showed resilience, as Guardiola reflected on the importance of their mental state going into future finals, emphasizing the need for perspective.
Asked by ITV after the game if he foresaw Lewis scoring after selecting him in midfield, Guardiola said: "No. I'm clever but not enough to see that, come on. But he's a player in this position in the pocket who is extraordinary."
Kovacic has been in good form of late and put in a fine performance in the heart of City's midfield, which was acknowledged by his manager. "The last three or four games have been extraordinary," he added.
But they did ride their luck a little at times, with substitute Anthony Elanga missing a great chance shortly before Gvardiol's goal, while Morgan Gibbs-White twice hit the woodwork and Taiwo Awoniyi also struck the post.
"Everything is in the head, in the mind of the players. We are in the final, it's so difficult. Perspective will be taken in many years to come. Now we have four finals ahead of us."
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