Alan Shearer was left gobsmacked as Arsenal transfer target Ilkay Gundogan scored the fastest-ever goal in FA Cup final history.
After just 12 seconds, Manchester City opened the scoring against their bitter rivals Manchester United when Ilkay Gundogan volleyed home from the edge of the box.
It was a breathtaking opening, as Shearer described Gundogan’s technique as ‘incredible’, on BBC’s Match of the Day, with the goalscoring midfielder then going on to score what turned out to be the winning goal of the game and help his team secure the domestic double.
There is a reason why Mikel Arteta wants the 32-year-old at Arsenal this summer and an even bigger reason why Pep Guardiola, after becoming Manchester City boss in 2016, decided that Gundogan was going to be his first signing.
The German international has proven to be a clutch player during these past few years, but his time at the Etihad could be coming to an end with his contract set to expire at the end of the month.
If he does leave, then there is every chance he heads for the exit door as a treble-winner, with Shearer being left amazed by the player’s most recent actions.
“You plan all week, from a Manchester United point of view, and then after 12 seconds, you have to say ‘okay, let’s calm down’,” said Shearer. “There isn’t much they could have done about that goal.
“So much for sexy football. Route one. Get on the end of that, Erling (Haaland). Flick it on. See what you can get us. He does win that header.
“But what you can also see is Gundogan free. Oh my Goodness me! The technique is just incredible. It’s such a difficult skill that is. The ball coming from that side to hit it with your right foot, to hit it like that, it was an incredible strike.”
SHOULD GUNDOGAN SIGN A NEW MAN CITY CONTRACT?
One final game of the season awaits Man City, and what a game it is.
It’s only the small matter of the Champions League final. Serie A giants, Inter, stand in Manchester City’s way of glory and securing that historic treble.
In that sense, if Gundogan does help his side over that line, then what a way to end your career at the Etihad? But, on the other, wouldn’t you just want to say on with this non-stop winning train?
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