CRYSTAL Palace have etched their name into football folklore, clinching a historic first-ever FA Cup title with a 1-0 victory over Manchester City – finally ending their long quest to win a trophy in English football,reports the Voice of Sport from Wembley Stadium.
And they did so in determined fashion.
Crystal Palace talisman Eberechi Eze delivered the decisive moment in the 16th minute, calmly sweeping home for the goal that would ultimately seal Palace’s place in the record books. Yet, amid a performance defined by collective grit and discipline, it was goalkeeper Dean Henderson who emerged as the standout hero.
Eze for Crystal Palace as they head to Wembley
Henderson produced a career-defining display, none more important than his crucial penalty save from Omar Mamoush in the 36th minute. The spot-kick – awarded after Tyrick Mitchell’s clumsy foul on Bernardo Silva – presented City with a golden opportunity to equalise. But Henderson’s intervention preserved Palace’s slender lead and proved to be a pivotal moment in the contest.
CUP OF CHEER: Eberechi Eze of Crystal Palace celebrates with the trophy after winning the Emirates FA Cup Final Photo by Sebastian Frej/Getty Images
Pep Guardiola’s side, as expected, dominated possession and created a flurry of chances. Erling Haaland, Josko Gvardiol, and Jeremy Doku all tested Palace’s backline in the first half, while Claudio Echeverri added to the pressure after the break. But wave after wave of attacks were repelled by a resolute Eagles defence, marshalled with tactical intelligence and unrelenting spirit.
Palace were relentless in their discipline and organisation, showing no signs of intimidation or nerves – consigning City to back-to-back FA Cup Final defeats and underlining the drop-off in performance that has best the dethroned Champions across the campaign.
The South Londoners disrupted City’s rhythm, absorbed the pressure, and struck with precision – a masterclass in tactical execution and mental fortitude. There was nothing fortunate about this win – it was earned through sheer determination and superior game management.
As the final whistle blew, it was Oliver Glasner’s men who celebrated glory. He said: “The game was so tough. I credit the players and how hard they worked to get this clean sheet – great goalkeeping and a great mentality.
“Our victory shows what you can achieve when you are patient as a club. We had a very bad start to the season. We had three points from eight games, but our fans always supported us. Even when 5-0 down at Newcastle our fans were supporting the team. When you always stick together you deserve it. That’s why this is so special our fans.”
City may have controlled the ball, but it was Palace who controlled the outcome. The FA Cup is theirs; history is made, and European nights next season await.
www.wembleystadium.com/events/2025/The-Emirates-FA-Cup-Final