Crystal Palace pulled off one of the biggest shocks in recent FA Cup history as they beat Manchester City 1-0 at Wembley this weekend to claim the club’s first major trophy.
It was local hero Eberechi Eze who sent the Palace fans into a frenzy, scoring the only goal of the game in the 16th minute. The 25-year-old, who was also crucial in their quarter-final and semi-final wins, volleyed home against the run of play in what turned out to be a dramatic final on Saturday.
David vs Goliath at Wembley
Despite being heavy favourites, Manchester City were left frustrated and trophy-less for the first time since the 2016–17 season. They dominated possession and chances, but simply couldn’t get past Palace’s inspired goalkeeper Dean Henderson, who made several heroic saves, including one from the penalty spot.
Palace, who had lost in their previous two FA Cup finals (1990 and 2016), made it third time lucky. Their Austrian manager, Oliver Glasner, appointed just 15 months ago, has now become the first Austrian coach to lift the FA Cup.
Eze’s Moment, Henderson’s Wall
After weathering a storm of early pressure from a City side featuring Kevin De Bruyne in his final Wembley appearance for the club, Palace stunned everyone with their first real attack.
- Daniel Munoz charged down the right and crossed into the box.
- Eze met it with a stunning first-time volley, sparking scenes of joy among Palace’s travelling fans.
City were given a lifeline before half-time when Tyrick Mitchell fouled Bernardo Silva in the box, but Omar Marmoush’s penalty was weak and saved by Henderson, who also denied Haaland and Gvardiol earlier in the match.
10 Minutes of Tension – and a Fairytale Finish
Palace were under siege for most of the second half, with City creating wave after wave of attacks. One Palace goal was ruled out by VAR, and Henderson continued to keep his side ahead with acrobatic saves.
When the board showed 10 minutes of added time, hearts were in mouths. But Palace held on, and when the final whistle blew, their anthem “Glad All Over” echoed around Wembley in an explosion of emotion.
A South London Celebration
From heartbreak to history, Crystal Palace’s first major title marks a turning point for the club and its fans.
As City now look inward following a rare season without silverware, Palace will be busy celebrating a win for the ages, a moment of magic that will live long in English football history.