Manchester City have advanced to yet another FA Cup final after dispatching Nottingham Forest 2-0 in their Wembley semifinal clash.
Despite Forest creating better chances statistically, City’s clinical finishing proved decisive in a match of contrasting halves.
The Citizens struck early through Lewis, who found the net to cap off a dominant opening period. Pep Guardiola’s men extended their advantage shortly after the restart when Gvardiol powered home a header, giving City a comfortable cushion.
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However, Nuno Espírito Santo’s Forest mounted a spirited fightback that saw them hit the woodwork on three separate occasions.
Midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White was particularly unfortunate, striking the frame twice as Forest desperately sought a way back into the contest.
The statistics tell the story of Forest’s valiant effort, with their expected goals of 1.68 exceeding City’s 1.37.
Nevertheless, it’s City who march on to Wembley while Forest’s 34-year wait for a cup final appearance continues.Both teams now return to Premier League action with their top-five aspirations still alive.
Forest will host Brentford on Thursday evening, while Manchester City – recently dethroned as league champions by Liverpool – welcome Wolverhampton Wanderers to the Etihad Stadium on Friday.
City will face Crystal Palace in next month’s FA Cup final as they look to add more silverware to their trophy cabinet.
