Crystal Palace win FA Cup with Eberechi Eze and Dean Henderson outstanding in Man City win

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Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 17/05/2025

- 18:30

Updated: 17/05/2025

- 18:57

Oliver Glasner has done what no Crystal Palace manager has done before

To think there are some who question the FA Cup. While it may admittedly take a back seat to other tournaments such as the Premier League and Champions League these days, there's no denying that it's a magical, classical event for the United Kingdom and a staple of the footballing calendar.

Days like this are proof of that. Crystal Palace went into their clash against Manchester City as underdogs, with just about everybody expecting Pep Guardiola's side to turn up and sweep their opponents aside.


Except, Oliver Glasner's side didn't read the script. They have triumphed in the competition for the very first time, having previously lost finals in 1990 and 2016. In the end, it was third time lucky. Europe, in addition to the trophy, now awaits.

City dominated the early stages, displaying some intensity that hasn't always been there this season.

Crystal Palace Man City

Crystal Palace have beaten Man City to win the FA Cup

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However, they found themselves behind after 16 minutes - with Eberechi Eze expertly sweeping home following a pinpoint delivery from Daniel Munoz.

It was a sensational strike from Eze, who played amid interest from City, Arsenal and Tottenham. His goal will have the three sides on red alert, with the former QPR star getting better by the season.

Minutes later, there was controversy.

Dean Henderson came charging out of his goal, with the Eagles goalkeeper parrying the ball away.

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He clearly was outside of his box but, following a VAR check, he was allowed to stay on the pitch because the ball was going away from goal.

Not everybody will have the same stance on the matter.

Wayne Rooney, and many City fans on social media, fumed over the incident. The BBC pundit said it was time for VAR to go, while also questioning how they could get things 'so wrong'.

City looked as though they'd be able to draw level when they were given a penalty following a foul on Bernardo Silva.

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Crystal Palace Eberechi Eze

Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze celebrates his goal against Man City on Sunday

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Erling Haaland stepped up, ball in hand. However, in a shock U-turn, he then decided to pass on the responsibility to Omar Marmoush.

Marmoush had missed one of his seven previous spot-kicks. But he was superbly denied by Henderson, with the goalkeeper diving to his right to keep the Egypt international at bay.

City went into the break hoping to come out galvanised.

They again dominated the early stages of the second half as they desperately hunted an equaliser that would get them back into contention.

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Palace fans were on their feet when Munoz poked home from close range.

The goal was disallowed for offside, however, which only heightened the tension around the ground.

City, as expected, started to get increasingly more desperate.

But Palace, despite finding themselves under the cosh, were able to hold out to win the FA Cup for the first time.

Dean Henderson

Dean Henderson denied Omar Marmoush from the penalty spot as Crystal Palace beat Man City to win the FA Cup

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It was a magnificent achievement, with chairman Steve Parish spotted smiling from ear to ear.

Whether they can keep their squad together, a squad that has finally done what no other in the club's history has done before, remains to be seen.