The midfielder dictated the rhythm of the game as City cruised their way through the semi-final tie and booked yet another date at Wembley
Mateo Kovacic ran the show as Manchester City stormed their way to a third-successive FA Cup final with a dominant 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest. Rico Lewis gave Pep Guardiola's side a dream start by firing into the bottom corner from the edge of the box in the second minute while Joso Gvardiol powered home a header from a corner shortly after the break to secure victory.
City were making their 28th appearance at the new Wembley and Guardiola pulled some surprises in his starting XI, dropping Kevin De Bruyne and Nico Gonzalez. It proved to be a stroke of genius, though, as Kovacic utterly controlled the game, making the most of the space Forest afforded him due to their sit-and-wait approach which has been so effective this season.
Nuno Espirito Santo's side barely threatened in the first half, but substitute Anthony Elanga missed an incredible chance to level just after the break, side-footing wide of the near post after a breakaway run from Callum Hudson-Odoi. City then went down the other end and conjured a brilliant move which led to them firing three times at Forest's goal as 'keeper Matz Sels stopped the ball going over the line with his foot.
City had screamed for a penalty for handball, but were only awarded a corner. It proved just as useful, however, as Gvardiol rose high to head in Omar Marmoush's delivery, delivering a sucker punch to Forest. City target Morgan Gibbs-White went on to shake the crossbar with an awesome volley and then hit the post, wasting a golden chance to pull one back after a disastrous pass from Gvardiol.
Forest hit the woodwork for a third time late on, but still City's lead rarely looked troubled as they became the sixth club to reach three straight FA Cup finals. Guardiola's side will be aiming to lift the trophy for an eighth time when they meet Crystal Palace next month.
GOAL rates City's players from Wembley Stadium…
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Stefan Ortega (6/10):
Didn't need to make a save until late in the game when he tipped Gibbs-White's header away. Quick out of his area when he needed to sweep up through balls.
Matheus Nunes (6/10):
Played intelligently, perhaps lifted by his crucial winner against Aston Villa last time out. Kept the ball well and got in behind the defence a few times.
Ruben Dias (6/10):
Put in a commanding performance at the heart of the defence, keeping Wood quiet all game.
Josko Gvardiol (6/10):
Put his strength to good use in both areas and his brutally powerful header effectively saw off Forest's threat. Loses a mark for his terrible pass to Gibbs-White which he was lucky to see go to waste.
Nico O'Reilly (7/10):
Another strong display in the FA Cup, a competition he has taken by storm and used to establish himself as a regular.
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Rico Lewis (7/10):
Got the ball rolling with a fine finish and nearly got himself a second, too. Helped City cruise through most of the game.
Mateo Kovacic (8/10):
A dominant performance from start to finish, dictating the rhythm of the game. Also teed Lewis up for the opener.
Bernardo Silva (6/10):
His energetic display ensured City had a tight grip on the game, although he largely stayed out of the final third. Made a sloppy pass late in the game leading to short-lived Forest breakaway.
Jack Grealish (5/10):
Played a supporting role, helping tick things over without doing anything remarkable. The first player to make way, coming off for Gundogan in the 71st minute.
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Omar Marmoush (7/10):
Delivered the perfect ball for Gvardiol to head in the second. Had freedom to get at Forest's defence and caused them plenty of headaches.
Savinho (6/10):
Didn't exactly terrorise Forest with his usual trickery but kept them on their toes until making way for Foden.
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Ilkay Gundogan (6/10):
Continued City's strong grip on the game.
Phil Foden (N/A):
Had some nice touches in and around the area after coming on in the 81st minute.
Jeremy Doku (N/A):
Ran at Forest on a couple of occasions to limit how much they could throw at City in the final stages of the game.
Nico Gonzalez (N/A):
An 89th-minute substitute.
Pep Guardiola (8/10):
His starting XI was surprising when it landed, but it soon made sense as City dominated the game and ensured Forest rarely stood a chance.
