It felt like the national anthem had only just finished when Gundogan put City ahead inside the first 13 seconds. His stunning volley from fully 20 yards out broke Louis Saha’s 25-second record from the 2009 final.
United reacted better than City to the early goal and drew level through a Bruno Fernandes penalty after Jack Grealish was controversially adjudged to have handled the ball. The game was beautifully poised at half-time but City came out the better in the second half.
Gundogan grabbed his second volley from outside the box but this time David de Gea was to blame after somehow letting a weak effort past him. City could have added to their advantage as United pushed for an equaliser.
Express Sport looks at what we learned from a thrilling encounter in north London…
Give in to Gundogan demands
City must give in to Gundogan’s contract demands. He has arguably been their best player in the second half of this season, which is some going when you’re team-mates with Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne.
But there is a strong chance he won’t play for the club in England again. Gundogan’s contract expires at the end of this month and City are yet to offer the length of deal he wants.
Barcelona are strongly linked, while Arsenal are monitoring his situation. But if City chiefs needed a reminder of his importance, they got it today.
Gundogan has scored three braces from midfield in his last six matches. He helped get the Premier League title over the line and you wouldn’t put it past him firing City to Champions League glory next week.
De Gea done?
De Gea has again grabbed the headlines for the wrong reasons. The Spaniard really should have kept out Gundogan’s second goal.
Gundogan’s left-footed volley was weak and somehow trickled into the bottom corner. De Gea got a hand to it but he was slow to get down.
It wasn’t the first time this season De Gea has let in a weak strike. Said Benrahma’s effort for West Ham last month springs to mind.
Perhaps this mistake wasn’t quite as bad as that one. De Gea looks set to sign a new contract at United but there are question marks over whether he is still good enough at the top level.
Only Ten Hag can decide if he is happy with the Spaniard as his long-term No 1.
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