Ederson heroics
Such was City’s dominance after our opening goal, it’s easy to forget how crucial an early save from Ederson was with the scores still goalless.
After breaking up a City forward foray, Javi Gracia’s side launched a quick-fire counter-attack which ended with Roberto Pereyra free in a one-on-one with our Brazilian keeper.
Not for the first time this season, Ederson proved equal to the task, standing tall and produced a crucial stop to deny the Watford man.
Just for good measure, the Brazilian also played a vital role in the build-up to our first goal, cutting another Watford raid with lightning fast anticipation as he strode out midway in the City half.
Who knows how different the outcome could have been had the Hornets struck first?
Rise and shine
David Silva and Raheem Sterling aren’t the tallest of attacking players but the duo proved they are big in stature in the build-up to City’s opening goal from El Mago.
After a spell of pinball in the Watford box, Silva rose first to win a vital header against one of the most physically imposing defences in the Premier League before Raheem then followed suit rising to guide a crucial header into El Mago.
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Our Spanish magician needed no second invitation to latch onto the assist and fire City into a crucial lead.
Proof, if it were needed yet again, that stature always trumps size!!
Anniversary special
Our sixth FA Cup success couldn’t have been more symbolic, coming as it did 50 years on from City’s iconic 1969 Wembley triumph, when we overcame Leicester City 1-0 thanks to Neil Young’s wonder strike.
Many of the boys of ’69 were at Wembley to watch their modern-day counterparts secure the famous piece of silverware.
And in a wonderful touch, the City players ran out for the pre-match warm-up dressed in identical red and black striped shirts that the side wore in 1969 with the players names emblazoned on their backs.
It was a wonderful nod to our rich history and legacy and a moving way to bridge two generations.
Special K
You can’t keep a good man down – especially when we are talking about Kevin De Bruyne!
Four weeks ago, the Belgian midfielder feared his injury-ravaged season was finally run after another setback forced him off in our league win over Tottenham.
Instead, the Belgian gritted his teeth and worked overtime in rehab to make his return to action and, after coming on as a substitute for the impressive Riyad Mahrez early in the second half at Wembley, he got his reward.
De Bruyne rounded off a terrific City forward raid, calmly slotting the ball past Heurelho Gomes to effectively put the final beyond Watford’s reach.
It was a fitting reward for the way the Belgian maestro has overcome so much adversity this season...
More Bernardo brilliance
Portuguese midfield marvel Bernardo Silva has been a tower of strength for City all season long and he shone once more at Wembley, playing a key role in three of our goals.
First it was his tigerish tackle in midfield that regained possession for Pep Guardiola’s men and eventually resulted in David Silva’s opening goal.
Then Bernardo produced another moment of sublime quality by producing a wonderful pass to Gabriel Jesus which led to Raheem Sterling’s second goal shortly before half-time.
And just for good measure it was Bernardo’s pin-point drive from the by-line after more sublime skill that helped set up Sterling for his second goal.
Like the very best operators, Bernardo makes it look easy when it’s anything but!!
