Crystal Palace Clinch First Major Trophy at Wembley
Crystal Palace made history on Saturday, defeating Manchester City 1-0 at Wembley to secure their first-ever major trophy. Eberechi Eze’s first-half strike stood as the match-winner in a tightly contested FA Cup final, as detailed in our full report on Crystal Palace’s historic win over Manchester City.
Manchester City were handed a golden opportunity to equalize in the second half after Tyrick Mitchell fouled Bernardo Silva in the box. However, what followed caught many by surprise, including Pep Guardiola.
The Penalty Decision: Haaland Hands It Off
When the penalty was awarded, Erling Haaland initially picked up the ball, appearing set to take the spot kick. Moments later, he passed the responsibility to Omar Marmoush. The Egyptian forward stepped up but was denied by Dean Henderson, who made a sharp save to preserve Palace’s lead.
Speaking post-match, Guardiola admitted he had expected Haaland to take it, according to comments carried by BBC Sport.
“They decided on the pitch,” he said. “I don’t know. I thought he [Haaland] would want to take it. That’s something for the players to decide, it’s about the feeling in the moment.”
Rooney Criticizes Haaland’s Mentality
Former Manchester United and England star Wayne Rooney was critical of Haaland’s choice, questioning his mindset on such a significant stage.
“Messi and Ronaldo never give that ball away. That’s what separates them,” Rooney said on BBC. “Maybe the pressure of taking a penalty at Wembley was too much. He’s human, after all.”
Rooney suggested that Haaland’s body language after missed chances shows how deeply moments affect him, perhaps influencing his decision to defer.
VAR Controversy: Henderson Escapes Red
City’s frustrations escalated when VAR opted not to send off Henderson for a potential handball outside the area. The goalkeeper had charged out to challenge Haaland for a long ball and appeared to use his arm. VAR ruled no clear goal-scoring opportunity was denied, sparing Henderson. For more on that moment specifically, see our report on Henderson’s reaction to escaping a red card.
Guardiola was tight-lipped when asked about the incident.
“Ask the VAR and the referee,” he said.
Post-Match Confrontation Between Guardiola and Henderson
Tensions boiled over after the final whistle. Guardiola approached Henderson during Palace’s celebrations, visibly upset over perceived time-wasting. The two exchanged words before Guardiola walked away.
“He defended his position. We defend ours,” Guardiola noted. “They did what they had to do. We didn’t score. Congratulations to them.”
City Left to Reflect, Palace Celebrate a Landmark Win
Crystal Palace’s defensive resolve earned them a historic victory, while Manchester City had to reflect on a missed opportunity and a decision that would haunt them. For Guardiola, the surprise penalty call and final outcome marked a rare misstep in a season of high standards, one that fed into a broader shakeup at the club, covered in our report on Manchester City’s year of decline.
