Manchester City were on a mission to be the first men’s football side to clinch the first-ever domestic treble in England after Arsenal Women achieved that feat back in 2007. Last February, The Citizens won the EFL Cup title after beating Chelsea 4–3 on penalties; while about a week and a half ago City successfully defended their Premier League title after thrashing Brighton 1–4 away from home. Not only that, but City were also hungry for the FA Cup triumph because their last success in this competition was back in 2011.
On the other side, Watford came into this match with a series of bad results. Three defeats in their last four league games are the reason; their last victory was against Huddersfield in late April. However, Javi Gracia’s men had a mentality boost because this match would be their first FA Cup final appearance since 1984. The Hornets also desired for a positive result because this encounter would be Heurelho Gomes’ last ever game in professional football in between the sticks, and winning the FA Cup would be a great farewell for him.
However, City were way too strong for Watford. Despite controlling the first 20 minutes of the match and successfully shutting down City’s offensive game in the process, Watford were no match for City for the remaining 70 minutes.
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