Manchester City claimed FA Cup glory to edge themselves closer to the treble.
Manchester United were worthy opponents at Wembley but were ultimately edged out by their neighbours, who have Ilkay Gundogan to thank for their victory after the German scored both their goals, one in each half, to steal the show.
City found themselves ahead within seconds as Gundogan volleyed home, but were unable to further their advantage and VAR allowed United a route back into the contest after penalising Jack Grealish for a handball, which presented Bruno Fernandes with the chance to level the contest - one he didn't pass up.
With the game in the balance - and United very much eyeing an upset win - Gundogan again stepped up as his scuffed volley evaded David de Gea. Erik ten Hag's side continued to push with Alejandro Garnacho proving to be a live wire after his introduction as the woodwork was hit in stoppage time.
On this occasion though it was Pep Guardiola who would end up being the winning coach - with the ultimate cup final to come in a week.
Here are five talking points.
1 The treble is on
City are now 90 minutes away from the treble after dispatching of their rivals at Wembley - with all eyes now on Istanbul.
Inter Milan stand in between Guardiola's men and a unique place in history. One of the main narratives heading into the final was whether or not United could halt the Etihad juggernaut and, at the same time, preserve their own record of being the only English team to win the treble.
City were by no means at their best but kept up their winning rhythm having put together a sensational run to claim the Premier League title. Those on the blue half of Manchester may never have a better chance to claim the treble with their remit this week about keeping a lid on expectations with the pressure very much on them.
2 Gundo's double time
Just how can they let him go? The German continues to come up with big moment after big moment and bagged himself a brace at Wembley to guide City to the FA Cup.
His contract has continued to wind down and reportedly the issue between him and the City hierarchy is over the lengthy of the deal. Gundogan is showing no sign of slowing down and looks primed to produce for seasons to come, arguably in the best form of his trophy-laden career.
The German was able to grab himself a piece of FA Cup history and then, with the scores level in the second-half, came up with another moment from outside the box, albeit his strike may not go down as one of his finest, it was certainly one of his most important.
3 A lightning quick start
Gundogan came up with the quickest ever FA Cup final goal - and did so in the most unconventional City way.
The German was celebrating within 15 seconds of kick-off as Guardiola's side went from back to front in the blink of an eye, leading to their skipper's incredible first-time strike, which left David de Gea rooted to the spot. It was the worst possible start for a team whose best chances were always going to be on the break.
This City side meanwhile further etched their name in the history of the cup final. Four years ago they came up with the joint biggest ever margin of victory to see off Watford, completing a domestic treble in doing so. In 2023 they produced the quickest ever goal in a final.
4 VAR has its say
The modern game is never too far away from an intervention and a trip to the screen and VAR certainly played its part at Wembley.
With City leading they advised Paul Tierney to go to the screen and check a Jack Grealish handball, which was waved away initially. A trip to the screen and a change of decision go hand in hand so the minute the game was paused everyone knew what was to come.
For many the decision was harsh, whilst the ball did clearly make contact with Grealish's fingers. City's frustration mounted when Kevin De Bruyne was denied a penalty, amid mass appeals from his team-mates, with Fred's challenge deemed within the laws. Once again though a showpiece occasion has VAR among its main talking points.
5 De Gea's final dance?
In recent weeks the Spaniard's future has dominated the headlines with his contract at Old Trafford winding down, leaving his future in doubt. He picked up an individual accolade in the final game of the regular season having claimed the most clean sheets.
He knew he'd have one more run out at Wembley, albeit he probably didn't expect to be picking the ball out of his net within the first 20 seconds. De Gea would end up picking the ball out of his net once again in the second-half
De Gea's errors have become increasingly regular following a period in which he dominated the club's Player of the Year award. His deficiencies with the ball at his feet have also been exposed as Ten Hag looks to change the style in which he team plays - all of which is leading to talk of a move away for one of the club's modern day greats.
