Eze Delivers Glory After 120 Years of Waiting
Crystal Palace finally ended a 120-year pursuit for silverware. Eberechi Eze’s composed finish in the 16th minute sealed a dramatic 1-0 win over Manchester City at Wembley, earning Palace their first major trophy in club history.
The final pivoted on two pivotal moments involving goalkeeper Dean Henderson. First, he escaped a red card after a controversial handball outside the box. Then, he saved Omar Marmoush’s penalty just minutes later, a sequence we cover in full in our report on Henderson’s defining moment.
Despite dominating possession, City could not find a breakthrough. For the second straight season, Pep Guardiola’s side left Wembley without the FA Cup.
Glasner’s System Delivers Silverware and a Statement
Oliver Glasner’s tactical discipline proved decisive. Since taking over in early 2024, he has instilled a structure that thrives under pressure. On Saturday, Palace sat deep, absorbed City’s pressure, and struck with precision on the counterattack.
Daniel Muñoz and Ismaïla Sarr impressed on the flanks, while the defensive unit led by Marc Guéhi stood tall. The victory also secured Europa League qualification for the following season.
City’s Titleless Season Nears Collapse
For Manchester City, the loss represented more than just another final defeat. It extended a trophyless season, their first since 2017, and placed their top-four hopes in serious jeopardy. See our report on Manchester City’s year of decline for the fuller picture.
Guardiola voiced his frustration with the scheduling but acknowledged his side’s lack of attacking efficiency. With two Premier League games remaining, the pressure was on to avoid missing out on Champions League qualification.
Henderson’s Redemption Defines the Final
Dean Henderson emerged as the unexpected hero. His penalty save preserved Palace’s lead, but the moment came after a controversial incident.
Earlier in the half, Henderson handled the ball outside the box to deny Erling Haaland a scoring chance. Referee Stuart Attwell and VAR opted against a red card, igniting fury among City players.
That decision, and Henderson’s subsequent save, proved decisive.
Eze Steps into the Spotlight
Eberechi Eze’s journey from academy rejection to Wembley match-winner became one of football’s most compelling stories of the season.
Released by multiple London clubs as a teenager, the 26-year-old rose through the ranks at QPR before establishing himself at Selhurst Park. His winning goal, a product of sharp movement and cool finishing, capped a standout run of form: six goals in his last five matches.
Guardiola’s Gamble Ends in Familiar Failure
Guardiola once again made bold tactical choices in a final, and once again they backfired.
He deployed Bernardo Silva alongside Kevin De Bruyne in a midfield duo, omitting a traditional holding midfielder. That decision exposed City on the break, and Palace capitalized early.
Despite an attacking trio featuring Jeremy Doku and Savinho, City’s service to Haaland was nearly nonexistent.
De Bruyne’s Farewell Season
This final came during what was already confirmed to be Kevin De Bruyne’s last season in a City shirt. At 34 and with his contract expiring, he offered the only glimpses of creativity for City, but it was not enough.
What happened next
Both storylines resolved that summer. De Bruyne left City as a free agent after a decade at the club and 16 trophies, joining Napoli, as confirmed by ESPN. Eze, meanwhile, completed a £67.5 million move to Arsenal that summer after Mikel Arteta’s side hijacked a deal that once looked set for Tottenham, per ESPN’s report on the transfer.
