By ROBERT SUMMERSCALES
Published: 14:48 EDT, 17 May 2025 | Updated: 14:58 EDT, 17 May 2025
Dean Henderson has denied suggestions he was fortunate to stay on the pitch during Crystal Palace's historic FA Cup final win over Manchester City.
The Palace goalkeeper produced a heroic display at Wembley, making six saves — including a crucial first-half penalty stop — as Oliver Glasner's side claimed the club's first major trophy with a 1-0 victory.
City were left fuming midway through the first half when Henderson handled the ball outside his penalty area under pressure from Erling Haaland. Referee Stuart Attwell allowed play to continue, and the VAR opted not to intervene, judging that Haaland had been moving away from goal and was therefore not denied a clear opportunity.
Just minutes later, Henderson compounded City's frustration by saving Omar Marmoush's penalty at the other end.
But when asked about the handball incident after the final whistle, Henderson shrugged off the controversy by claiming that the ball had been inside his 18-yard box when he touched it with his hand.
'The ball carried into my box and I knew it was fine,' he told BBC Sport, before adding: 'Who cares!?'
Dean Henderson pictured holding the FA Cup trophy after helping Crystal Palace beat Man City
Henderson made six saves in Saturday's 1-0 win over City, including one from a penalty kick
City felt that Henderson was lucky not to have been sent off before his penalty heroics, after he appeared to stop Erling Haaland from scoring by handling the ball outside of his 18-yard box
Haaland had handed over penalty duties to Marmoush after missing three of his previous seven spot-kicks. Henderson said: 'I wasn't sure who was going to take it. Haaland might have stepped up. He gave it to Marmoush and I knew which way he was going. I knew I would save it.'
The 28-year-old — who also made stops from Haaland, Josko Gvardiol, Jeremy Doku and Claudio Echeverri — dedicated the win to his father, who passed away earlier this season.
'I lost my dad at the start of the season, but he was with me today. He was with me every kick of the game. I dedicate that win to him.'
Eberechi Eze's 16th-minute goal proved the difference in a hard-fought contest and ensured Palace will play in next season's Europa League.
City dominated possession but failed to break down a resolute Palace defence, as their season ended without silverware for the first time since Pep Guardiola's debut campaign in 2016–17.
The result also continued Haaland's Wembley woes, with the Norwegian still goalless in six appearances at the national stadium – and eight finals overall for City.
There were emotional scenes at full-time as Palace players and fans celebrated a day that will go down in club folklore.
Henderson's afternoon wasn't without a flashpoint after the final whistle, as Guardiola appeared to confront him during the celebrations. The City manager was seen wagging his finger and speaking animatedly as he approached the goalkeeper.
But Eagles stopper Henderson survived a VAR check and was allowed to stay on the pitch
Henderson spoke to the BBC after full-time and dedicated Palace's famous win to his late dad
Henderson smiled and raised his hands in response, seemingly attempting to calm the situation. Palace boss Oliver Glasner soon intervened to hug his No 1, while substitute goalkeeper Matt Turner eventually ushered Guardiola away.
When asked about the exchange, Henderson claimed Guardiola had said: 'You got your 10 minutes like you wanted.' Guardiola, when pressed post-match, insisted he said 'nothing'.
For Henderson, it was a day of personal and professional triumph.
'I had a feeling it would be our day today,' he declared. 'The manager had a gameplan and we executed it. We deserve this so much.'