Antoine Semenyo's backheel finish in the 72nd minute settled a tight, low-chance contest and gave Manchester City a domestic double, having already won the Carabao Cup in March. Guardiola was quick to single out the winger, who joined from Bournemouth in January for £62.5 million and has since scored nine times before this final.
"Since he arrived, Antoine has had a sense of goal. He can play in three positions and in the last game he had an incredible finish. It was massive. It was a little swap, normally he crosses to Erling but he has that sense and it was a really good goal."
The City manager was candid about the fine margins that decide finals, acknowledging that recent Wembley visits — including defeats to Crystal Palace and Manchester United in previous editions — had seen his side perform better without winning.
"We're really pleased. This trophy is really cool and the tradition with it. It's special to win but I had the feeling that last season against Crystal Palace and two seasons ago against United we were better than today but these types of games, the margins are so minimal."
The victory carried particular emotional weight for two departing players. Skipper Bernardo Silva and central defender John Stones are both leaving the club in the summer after nine and ten years respectively. Guardiola made clear that their legacy at City extends well beyond any single trophy.
"Absolutely it's nice for Bernardo and John but if you have to judge their service here today on whether they win the trophy, it's not about that. They have been incredible and I have so much gratitude for how they represent this club in the best way possible. Bernardo is a machine and today he showed it again."
Several key players missed the final due to injury, with Phil Foden among those who travelled but did not feature having played midweek. Guardiola noted the constraints on his squad while insisting the remaining games of the Premier League season remain a target.
City trail Arsenal at the top of the Premier League with two games remaining. A victory parade in Manchester is planned for Monday.