Palace claim first-ever major title, as Guardiola’s side crumble again in trophyless season
Crystal Palace produced one of the most astonishing FA Cup final upsets in recent history on Saturday, defeating defending champions Manchester City 1–0 at Wembley Stadium to lift the prestigious trophy for the first time in the club’s 119-year existence.
Eberechi Eze expertly took the goal in the 16th minute, coupled with a heroic performance from goalkeeper Dean Henderson, ended Palace’s long wait for major silverware and capped a memorable campaign under Austrian manager Oliver Glasner. The victory also guaranteed the South London club a place in next season’s UEFA Europa League their debut appearance in European competition.
Observers Times gathered that this was Palace’s third appearance in an FA Cup final, having previously lost in 1990 and 2016 both times to Manchester United. But on this occasion, they stunned a City side that looked increasingly bereft of ideas and momentum, compounding Pep Guardiola’s most disappointing season since arriving in England.
Eze’s Moment of Glory
Eze, who has overcome early-career rejections by Arsenal, Fulham and Millwall, delivered the decisive blow with a composed volley after a sweeping counter-attack initiated deep in Palace’s own half. Jean-Philippe Mateta received a long pass from Chris Richards and expertly teed up Daniel Muñoz on the right wing. The Colombian’s precise cross met Eze, who finished with poise and precision past City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega.
“It’s special. I don’t know what to say,” said the 26-year-old Eze in a post-match interview. “We’ve faced a team that’s been the best team in the world for so long. To show that type of spirit, that type of energy it means everything.”
City, as expected, dominated possession from the outset, but it was Palace who capitalised on their opponents’ high line and tactical overreach. Erling Haaland nearly opened the scoring with a sharp volley in the seventh minute, but Henderson was alert to parry the attempt. Moments later, Josko Gvardiol’s header was similarly denied by the on-loan Manchester United goalkeeper.
Henderson’s Redemption Arc
While Eze’s goal proved decisive, Henderson’s all-round performance arguably turned the tide of the match. In the 24th minute, the 27-year-old rushed out of his area and appeared to handle the ball under pressure from Haaland. City players appealed for a red card, and the incident was reviewed by VAR. But after a tense delay, the video officials concluded it was not a clear goal-scoring opportunity a decision that drew furious protests from Guardiola and his players.
Palace’s reprieve proved vital just minutes later. Tyrick Mitchell conceded a penalty after a reckless foul on Bernardo Silva, allowing City the chance to equalise. But in a surprising move, Haaland passed up the opportunity, handing the ball to Egyptian forward Omar Marmoush, whose low shot was pushed wide by Henderson.
The England international, who has been in and out of the national team conversation, then pulled off a string of saves in the second half including a fingertip stop to deny Jeremy Doku and two late interventions against substitute Claudio Echeverri.
“He’s an absolute warrior,” said Palace captain Marc Guéhi of Henderson. “We were lucky to have him on a day like this.”
Guardiola’s Gamble Backfires
For Manchester City, the result was the culmination of a difficult and ultimately fruitless campaign. Despite winning the Premier League in four consecutive seasons and claiming a historic treble in 2022–23, City now face the prospect of ending the current season without a single trophy the first time since Guardiola’s debut term in 2016–17.
Guardiola surprised many with his starting XI, deploying an ultra-attacking setup without a recognised defensive midfielder. Explaining his decision pre-match, he said, “We’re betting on talent and taking the game to them.” But Glasner’s side exploited the lack of balance, sitting deep and hitting with precision on the counter.
“When you have so many attacking players, it could give you an opportunity in transitions,” said the Palace manager. “We trained all week to be disciplined and then hit with speed. The players executed it perfectly.”
City remain sixth in the Premier League and face two crucial fixtures at home to Bournemouth and away to Fulham in their attempt to salvage Champions League qualification.
A New Era for Palace?
Saturday’s win represents a watershed moment for Crystal Palace. Having long been considered a mid-table Premier League side, often battling relegation or settling for stability, their FA Cup triumph and European qualification could mark the beginning of a new chapter under Glasner, who only took over earlier this season following Roy Hodgson’s departure.
The club’s transfer policy in recent years has focused on young, dynamic talents like Eze, Michael Olise, Mateta and Richards a departure from their previous reliance on ageing veterans. With Henderson likely to attract attention for a permanent move and the prospect of European nights at Selhurst Park next season, Palace’s board will face fresh decisions about squad investment and infrastructure.
“This is just the beginning,” said Glasner. “Today, we celebrate. Tomorrow, we start planning. Europe is coming to South London.”
Palace fans erupted in jubilation at Wembley, their red and blue banners waving in the evening sun. After 119 years of waiting, they finally have silverware to their name and a seat at Europe’s table.
