Crystal Palace defeated Manchester City 1-0 to lift the FA Cup for the first time in 119 years. Eberechi Eze’s decisive goal sealed a memorable victory for the Eagles, marking one of the biggest shocks in recent cup history.
This win was especially sweet for Palace, who had previously pushed City to the limit in the Premier League scoring two early goals and having a third controversially ruled out by VAR before collapsing to a 5-2 defeat. But this time, under manager Oliver Glasner, Palace executed a perfect game plan to outwit Pep Guardiola’s side,leaving Pep Guardiola’s side to ponder a trophyless season.
The Decisive Strike: Eze’s Moment of Magic
The solitary goal of the FA Cup final came courtesy of Crystal Palace’s talismanic midfielder, Eberechi Eze. In the 16th minute, against the run of play, Palace launched a swift counter-attack. Daniel Munoz delivered a pinpoint low cross, and Eze, arriving perfectly, swept the ball past Stefan Ortega to send the Palace faithful into raptures. It was a goal that encapsulated Crystal Palace’s campaign: opportunistic, clinical, and delivered with a touch of brilliance.
Premier League Warning Ignored? Glasner’s Tactical Masterclass
This historic victory followed a previous Premier League encounter where Palace, under manager Oliver Glasner, had showcased their ability to exploit City’s vulnerabilities. In that thrilling league match, Palace initially raced to a 2-0 lead, with a third goal controversially ruled out by VAR, before City mounted a remarkable five-goal comeback.
Post-match, Glasner had a telling message for Pep Guardiola: “If we meet again, you can’t play in this system because we will solve it.” This audacious claim proved prophetic. Guardiola’s renowned ball possession and “tiki-taka” system, while historically successful in winning trophies across Europe, showed its cracks. City’s relentless pressing, a hallmark of Guardiola’s strategy, often leaves them exposed to rapid counter-attacks – precisely what unfolded when Palace capitalized on a transition, scoring the winner. Glasner’s meticulous study of City’s weaknesses paid off handsomely.
City’s Woes: Injuries, Fatigue, and Misfortune
Manchester City’s season has been plagued by a series of unfortunate events that likely contributed to their FA Cup heartbreak:
- Injury Crisis: Key figures, including midfield linchpin Rodri, who suffered an early-season injury, and influential playmaker Kevin De Bruyne, who faced a spell on the sidelines, significantly hampered City’s consistency. Defensive stalwarts Manuel Akanji and John Stones also battled injuries, affecting the team’s balance and depth.
- Squad Stagnation? While Guardiola has made impressive recent signings like Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, Nico González, Claudio Echeverri, and Vitor Reis, and is set to add more talent in the summer, the core of his squad has been together for roughly seven years. This long tenure, while fostering understanding, can sometimes lead to a slight loss of drive or the need for fresh tactical ideas on the pitch. The positive impact of these new signings might only be fully realized next season.
Penalty Blunder: A pivotal moment occurred when City were awarded a penalty. Erling Haaland, usually the designated taker, surprisingly ceded the spot-kick to Omar Marmoush, who subsequently missed, costing City a golden opportunity to equalize.
Controversial Refereeing Decisions: The match also featured contentious decisions, notably when Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson appeared to handle the ball outside his box against Haaland. Despite strong protests from City players, and replays suggesting a potential red card, the referee allowed play to continue, a decision that proved critical in Palace’s favour. Henderson then went on to save Marmoush’s penalty, solidifying his hero status.
Crystal Palace’s Deserved Triumph
Palace’s FA Cup journey was characterized by brilliance and resilience. They navigated a tough run to the final, overcoming strong opposition with their newfound tactical discipline under Glasner. This victory marks their first major trophy in 119 years, a testament to their dedication and the club’s enduring spirit. The celebrations among the Eagles faithful were nothing short of ecstatic, as they savored a truly deserved and historic moment.
The FA Cup final of 2025 will be remembered not just for Manchester City’s unexpected defeat, but for Crystal Palace’s strategic genius, unwavering belief, and the crowning of a truly deserving champion.
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