Crystal Palace secured their first major trophy by defeating Pep Guardiola`s Manchester City 1-0 in the FA Cup final on Saturday. This historic victory, achieved in their third final appearance, was sealed by Eberechi Eze`s decisive first-half goal. The result marked a rare trophyless season for Manchester City, their first since 2016-17, and ended Kevin de Bruyne`s notable career with the club on a losing note ahead of his anticipated summer departure.
USMNT players Chris Richards and Matt Turner also earned winners` medals; Richards played the entire match, while Turner served as the backup goalkeeper.
Palace took an early lead just 16 minutes in. The goal originated from a well-worked move involving Jean-Philippe Mateta and Daniel Munoz on the right flank, culminating in Munoz`s powerful cross being met by Eberechi Eze, who finished at the far post.
The match wasn`t without controversy, as Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson appeared to handle the ball outside his box soon after the opening goal. According to rules experts, this incident likely warranted a red card, suggesting VAR should have prompted a review for denying a goal-scoring opportunity.
Manchester City had a golden chance to equalize before halftime when they were awarded a penalty after Bernardo Silva was fouled in the box. Omar Marmoush took the spot-kick, aiming for the bottom left corner, but Dean Henderson made a crucial save. Henderson then quickly recovered to deny Erling Haaland`s follow-up attempt from the rebound.
Henderson, a former Manchester United keeper, delivered a standout performance, facing 23 shots and making six saves throughout the game. Despite Manchester City dominating possession (79%) and completing significantly more passes, they couldn`t find a way past him.
Early in the second half, Daniel Munoz briefly thought he had doubled Palace`s lead with a goal from his own rebound, but the goal was correctly ruled out for offside against Ismaila Sarr following a review.
Manchester City continued to press, registering a total of 23 shots with an expected goals (xG) value of 2.30, but their efforts were in vain. The underdogs held firm to lift the coveted trophy at Wembley Stadium, celebrating with their passionate supporters.
Dominic Ashworth