Manchester City made history today, but this cup final lacked any tension
When David Silva opened the scoring after 26 minutes, you felt any possibility of a close, tense final disappear in an instant. Javi Gracias’ Watford side played out a valiant first quarter of the match, creating one fantastic chance as Roberto Pereyra ran through on goal, but when Ederson saved it, the yellow half of Wembley breathed a sigh of frustration. They knew how big that chance was.
What a chance for Watford!
Watch the #FACupFinal on @BBCOne now: https://t.co/3M6nYtqc2T #mciwat pic.twitter.com/kVnDeCOuQc
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) May 18, 2019
But after City’s first goal, Watford were obliged to commit more bodies forward as they fought to get back into the game. This inevitably led to the floodgates opening and City scoring five more goals, becoming the first men’s team to win a domestic treble in England.
It’s a miraculous achievement. Less so when you consider that they did it with the most expensive squad ever assembled, but impressive nonetheless.
But as City passed Watford to death, draining the energy out of their opponents, landing sucker punch after sucker punch, it made you ponder: at what point do we tire of City’s domestic dominance?
While City were pushed all the way in the Premier League title race this season by Liverpool, this final had all the jeopardy of a Marvel film.
This game didn’t feel like a final, but a routine league victory against one of the weaker teams in the top flight. But Watford are not one of the worst teams in the league; for a long time they were in contention to clinch the Everton cup (7h place.) They got 50 points. They’re no mugs. And yet, this was over almost before it began.
Watch the goals below.
It's the start #MCFC were looking for.
David Silva comes to the party when needed….#FACupFinal live on @BBCOne: https://t.co/3M6nYtqc2T #MCIWAT pic.twitter.com/Vt1F2oi7rN
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) May 18, 2019
HT: Man City 2-0 Watford
Manchester City are in control.
And here's the second goal that did it.
Watch the #FACupFinal live: https://t.co/3M6nYtHNrt #mciwat pic.twitter.com/ACa6XBfqzi
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) May 18, 2019
https://twitter.com/BBCSport/status/1129814418236198912
You just have to sit back and admire this Man City side.#FACupFinal live: https://t.co/cDb1QeICvB #mciwat pic.twitter.com/3EaLbJ0m3w
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) May 18, 2019
Five. Star. City. 🤩
Raheem Sterling gets in on the act, City have put Watford to the sword at Wembley!#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/laqYhDXPhk
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 18, 2019
Watford just want this to end.
It's six for #MCFC.
Live: https://t.co/cDb1Qf0dUb pic.twitter.com/EVm4JDusyc
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) May 18, 2019
