Crystal Palace claimed their first-ever major trophy with a stunning 1-0 victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley on Saturday.
Eberechi Eze’s 16th-minute goal proved the difference in a match dominated by Pep Guardiola’s side but defined by Palace’s resilience and Dean Henderson’s heroics.
Despite enjoying a staggering 76.7% possession—the highest on Opta’s FA Cup final records since 2014—City were repeatedly frustrated by a rock-solid Palace defense and an inspired Henderson.
The Eagles’ keeper saved a crucial first-half penalty from Omar Marmoush and produced a string of superb stops to deny Erling Haaland, Josko Gvardiol, and Claudio Echeverri.
City, who completed more passes through Ruben Dias (129) than Palace did as a team (126), also managed a record 23 shots without scoring in an FA Cup final.
Guardiola, however, insisted he had “nothing to regret” and praised his team’s performance compared to last year’s final defeat to Manchester United.
“We did everything. We created a lot. If you cannot score, you cannot win,” Guardiola said. “We are sad because we didn’t win, but we played much better.”
Tensions flared briefly after full-time, as Guardiola exchanged words with Henderson over alleged time-wasting, though the City boss admitted it was not the reason for the defeat.
City have now lost 16 matches this season, their highest tally since 2008–09. Meanwhile, Palace celebrate an unforgettable moment in the club’s history.
