Crystal Palace has secured their first-ever major trophy, triumphing over Pep Guardiola`s Manchester City with a 1-0 victory in the FA Cup final on Saturday. This was Palace`s third appearance in the final, and the charm came courtesy of Eberechi Eze`s decisive goal in the first half. The result also marked a losing end to Kevin De Bruyne`s Manchester City career, as the club icon is set to depart this summer. For Manchester City, this season concludes without a trophy, a first since the 2016-17 campaign.
This historic win means USMNT players Chris Richards and Matt Turner will receive winners` medals. Richards played the entire match, while Turner served as the backup goalkeeper.
Palace started the match more assertively, needing only 16 minutes to break the deadlock. The move began with Jean-Philippe Mateta controlling the ball in midfield, executing a quick one-two before finding right-back Daniel Munoz on the flank. The Colombian took a touch and delivered a powerful, knee-high cross into the box, which Eze expertly guided into the far corner.
However, Crystal Palace had a moment of fortune when goalkeeper Dean Henderson appeared to handle the ball outside his area shortly after the goal. According to rules expert Christina Unkel, a red card should have been shown, suggesting VAR review was warranted to assess the denial of a goal-scoring opportunity.
Before halftime, City had a prime chance to level the score when a penalty was awarded for a foul on Bernardo Silva inside the box. Omar Marmoush stepped up to take the spot-kick, hitting it low towards the bottom left corner. However, Dean Henderson produced a magnificent diving save to deny him. The ball rebounded, and although Erling Haaland was quick to react, Henderson was even quicker, smothering Haaland`s follow-up attempt.
Henderson, a former Manchester United keeper, delivered a standout performance against his old rivals. He faced a total of 23 shots throughout the game, making six crucial saves, including the penalty. Despite Manchester City dominating possession with 79% and completing nearly 500 more passes, they could not find a way past the inspired Palace defense and goalkeeper.
Early in the second half, Daniel Munoz thought he had doubled Palace`s lead after scoring from his own rebound, but the goal was correctly ruled out for offside after a review, involving Ismaila Sarr in the build-up.
City relentlessly pushed forward, finishing the match with 23 shots and an expected goals (xG) tally of 2.30, but their efforts were in vain. Ultimately, the underdogs lifted the coveted trophy at Wembley Stadium, celebrating a monumental achievement with their passionate and long-suffering supporters.
