Jack Grealish was left perplexed by the penalty decision given against him in Manchester City's FA Cup final victory over Manchester United.
City moved one step closer to claiming a brilliant treble on Saturday as they defeated neighbours United 2-1 at Wembley in a pulsating final. The Blues took the lead after just 13 seconds when Ilkay Gundogan stunningly volleyed home a loose clearance from 25 yards.
United looked defeated as Pep Guardiola's side turned the screw but managed to prevent a total collapse and gradually grew into the match. They were given a lifeline when they were awarded a controversial penalty which Bruno Fernandes converted to level the scores.
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Aaron Wan-Bissaka's header into the box had struck Grealish's raised hand as he jumped to challenge for the cross and after a VAR review the penalty was awarded. Gundogan would score another volley in the second half to win the game but the decision still bugged Grealish after full-time.
"Obviously when I gave away the penalty... I know you're probably going to get onto it but I genuinely don't know how it's a penalty," he told the BBC. "I'm not even looking at the ball! I've missed the ball with my head and then he's headed it.
"I'm not even looking at the ball. I could understand if I'm trying to block a cross and I'm like this looking at it but anyway... Gundo saved me!"
Despite his frustrations, Grealish couldn't stay angry for long as his delight at winning a final he once lost took hold. He continued: "Unbelievable. It's the stuff you dream of when you're a little kid. I don't think the foreign guys know as much but us English guys, we know what it means to play in this, to play in the final. I lost one when I was at Aston Villa and I was desperate to win one.
"The best thing about this team is we have a mix of everything. Everyone is confident, we have the older lads more experienced, the younger lads and we have so much belief in ourselves and so much confidence and I think we showed that out there today. I'm sure we'll have a good night tonight and then straight back on it tomorrow and Monday for a massive game next week.
When asked if he would be celebrating Grealish replied: "Of course I am! I don't win the FA Cup every week. I'm going to enjoy it of course, I'm going to enjoy it and tomorrow straight back into training, recover and I just can't wait for next week now. I love this team so much. I love the players, the staff and hopefully we can have a good week now and go into next week with confidence."
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