Crystal Palace etched their name into football history with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday. Eberechi Eze's first-half goal sealed the club's first major trophy, ending Manchester City's eight-year streak of winning at least one title per season.
"It was the Crystal Palace day. It was the day for our fans, and it just had to happen that we win," said manager Oliver Glasner, whose tactical discipline saw Palace absorb relentless pressure while capitalizing on counterattacks. The underdogs defied expectations despite City's 77% possession and 23 shots, with goalkeeper Dean Henderson making a crucial penalty save against Omar Marmoush in the first half.
Controversy arose when Henderson avoided a red card after handling the ball outside the box, but VAR upheld the decision. Palace's resilience paid off as Prince William presented the trophy to jubilant players and staff, marking a triumphant end to their 112-year wait for silverware.
Co-owner Steve Parish dedicated the win to loyal supporters: "We owed them a trophy. All the people that stick with you and believe—it is for them." The victory also avenged Palace's previous FA Cup final losses in 1990 and 2016.
