The German midfielder opened the scoring at Wembley with the fastest goal ever in the competition’s showpiece with a wonderful volley after just 12 seconds.
Erik ten Hag’s side equalised through Bruno Fernandes’ penalty on the cusp of half-time, but the 32-year-old restored our advantage after the interval with a precise first-time strike which nestled into the bottom corner.
It was the latest blue-chip moment in Gundogan’s portfolio of phenomenal outings in sky blue as we sealed our second major honour of the term after lifting the 2022/23 Premier League title.
And the boss was full of praise for our captain after his display in the capital.
“The player is exceptional. This season what he has done is just exceptional,” he said.
“Not just being part of the important moments and I don’t forget the two goals he scored against Aston Villa [in 2022] and this season many times he’s scored important goals.
“It’s for the fact how important he is in many, many reasons.
“It was the best way to start a final, knowing there was 89 minutes or more of the 90 minutes left. Of course it was an important moment.”
Watch Guardiola’s full post match press conference in the video player above.
