Crystal Palace delivered a stunning performance against Manchester City on Saturday, winning the FA Cup for the first time, thanks to Eberechi Eze’s goal that secured a 1-0 triumph and intensified the woes for Pep Guardiola’s struggling side.
Eze’s early strike sent shockwaves through City, while Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson made a crucial save against Omar Marmoush’s penalty just before half-time in a thrilling final at Wembley.
Eze’s precise finish marked the pinnacle of his inspiring journey, having been rejected by Arsenal, Fulham, and Millwall in his youth, but it was Henderson who shone as the true hero for Palace with a string of remarkable saves.
City will argue that Henderson ought to have been sent off for a handball outside his penalty area in the first half.
Nevertheless, Henderson made the most of that contentious incident, securing Palace’s first major trophy in their 120-year existence and earning a spot in next season’s Europa League.
After being defeated by Manchester United in previous FA Cup finals in 1990 and 2016, Palace’s unexpected victory was well-earned, while City’s collapse continued in a dismal season, marking their first without a major trophy since 2016-17.
Having clinched the Premier League title for four consecutive seasons, City have faced a tumultuous campaign that ranks among the most challenging of Guardiola’s illustrious career.
Currently positioned sixth in the Premier League, City will face Bournemouth at home on Tuesday before travelling to Fulham on May 25, hoping to salvage their lacklustre season by at least securing a Champions League berth.
Guardiola had voiced concerns regarding his players’ motivation as they struggled to keep up with Liverpool in the title race and exited the Champions League.
While motivation may not have been the issue against Palace, City’s lack of direction during their second consecutive FA Cup final defeat raised troubling questions for the future, as Guardiola was outmanoeuvred by Eagles boss Oliver Glasner.
Once again, Guardiola surprised everyone with his selection for the final, opting for an overly attacking formation devoid of a holding midfielder.
However, his propensity to experiment with tactics in finals has often backfired.
When asked about City’s line-up just prior to kick-off, Guardiola stated he was relying on “talent”, yet Glasner had identified an opportunity, remarking: “With so many attacking players, it could provide openings in transitions.”
Erling Haaland nearly gave City the dream start, stretching to meet Kevin De Bruyne’s cross with a volley that forced a hurried save from Henderson.
Josko Gvardiol’s towering header from Savinho’s corner was expertly dealt with by Henderson.
Glasner’s clever decision to set up Palace deep inside their own half lured City into a trap.
Eze delivered the decisive blow from Palace’s first chance in the 16th minute, as Glasner’s men executed a brilliant counter-attack from their penalty area.
Jean-Philippe Mateta held up Chris Richards’ long pass, passing it to Daniel Munoz, who surged down the right before crossing to Eze, who expertly volleyed past Stefan Ortega from 12 yards.
City were furious when Henderson escaped a red card following a VAR check of his handball, which appeared to take place outside the area as he rushed to challenge Haaland.
VAR ruled that it was “not an obvious goal-scoring opportunity”, a decision that proved pivotal as Henderson saved Palace again in the 35th minute.
Tyrick Mitchell committed a needless foul on Bernardo Silva, conceding a penalty as the City midfielder moved away from goal.
In a surprising twist, it was not Haaland who took the penalty, but Marmoush, following a poor decision by the Norwegian, as Henderson dived to his right to deny the Egyptian’s effort.
Henderson continued to impress, saving again from Jeremy Doku, whose strike seemed destined for the top corner.
In a resolute defensive display, Palace owed much to Henderson, who made two further outstanding saves from Claudio Echeverri, rounding off a challenging afternoon for Guardiola.
