Crystal Palace script history by winning FA Cup 2024-25

Crystal Palace secured their first major silverware in style at Wembley Stadium on May 17, 2025, surprising Manchester City with a 1-0 FA Cup final victory. Eberechi Eze struck the all-important goal in the 16th minute as the Eagles escaped empty-handed while the champions dominated possession in a game that showcased Palace’s resilience and game-plan discipline.The game’s only goal did come early, with Eberechi Eze volleying home a cross from Daniel Muñoz after a quick counterattack prompted by Jean-Philippe Mateta’s hold-up work in the buildup. This early goal established the defensive context for Crystal Palace.And imperious as City were, there was little they could do to get beyond Crystal Palace's shape. Their best chance arrived when they were given a penalty, but Omar Marmoush's penalty was saved by goalkeeper Dean Henderson, making the right guess at the right time with a massive block. It was more shock for the City fans because it was Erling Haaland who was the designated penalty taker, but Marmoush took it instead.Dean Henderson did find himself in trouble when he handled the ball outside his penalty area to prevent a potential goal. The referee waved away protests at his decision not to show a red card, so Henderson remained on the field and continued his masterfully destructive work.Managed by Oliver Glasner, who had taken over in February 2024, Palace implemented a game plan that nullified City’s threats in attack. Glasner’s focus on defensive organisation and quick counter-attacks paid off, and one of Europe’s most powerful attacks was kept out.The result, being a first-ever FA Cup win for Crystal Palace, does seem to be a historic moment for the club, even though they'd been to two finals before. It not only ended their 120-year wait for a major trophy but FA Cup trophy. It also confirmed them as a formidable force in English football.Also Read: Pep Guardiola voices frustration over tight schedule before FA Cup finalAs the whistle for the end of the game went, from the Crystal Palace end, the crowd went wild, those who had patiently waited since we were the underdogs, to witnessing us become the winners of the FA Cup. And it will go down as a triumph of strategy, individual excellence, and collective spirit.