How Did Eze’s Early Strike Secure Crystal Palace's Historic FA Cup Victory at Wembley?
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Synopsis
Crystal Palace's FA Cup victory over Manchester City marks a historic moment in English football. Eberechi Eze's early goal not only secured their first major trophy in 164 years but also showcased the unpredictability of cup competitions. Read on to discover how this monumental event unfolded at Wembley.
Key Takeaways
- Crystal Palace's historic FA Cup win.
- Eberechi Eze's brilliant goal.
- Manchester City's missed opportunities.
- Dean Henderson's crucial saves.
- Palace's journey to their first major trophy.
Wembley, May 17 (NationPress) - In a stunning upset, Crystal Palace made history on Saturday by defeating Manchester City 1-0 in the FA Cup final, marking their first major trophy win in 164 years at Wembley Stadium.
Eberechi Eze emerged as the hero, netting the crucial goal in the 16th minute, creating a moment that will be celebrated for generations in South London.
Eze skillfully received a pass, maneuvered through the City defense, and calmly placed the ball past Stefan Ortega, igniting jubilation among Palace supporters. This goal was not merely a stroke of genius but a cornerstone of a significant upset against a City team that has dominated English football for almost a decade.
Manchester City reacted swiftly, nearly equalizing when Erling Haaland surged forward, only for Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson to controversially handle the ball outside the penalty area.
Referee Stuart Attwell allowed play to continue, and despite VAR intervention, it was determined that Henderson did not deny a clear scoring opportunity, thus avoiding a red card. Shortly after, Henderson justified that call by saving a penalty from Omar Marmoush after a handball by Palace in the box.
In the second half, City relentlessly sought an equalizer, but Pep Guardiola's choice to forgo a holding midfielder left his team vulnerable. Palace thought they secured a second goal through Daniel Munoz in the 58th minute, but it was disallowed for offside after a VAR check.
As the match drew to a close, City pushed forward, including young talent Claudio Echeverri, but Henderson remained resolute, making two remarkable late saves to maintain the Eagles' narrow advantage.
The final whistle unleashed an explosion of joy among both Palace players and fans. For a club that was part of the FA Cup's inception in 1871 and reached its first semi-final, this moment was truly momentous – their first major trophy, their inaugural FA Cup, and a place in the 2025-26 UEFA Europa League.
For Guardiola, this marked the conclusion of an illustrious eight-year era of securing at least one major trophy each season with Manchester City, as Palace achieved one of the most remarkable upsets in recent FA Cup history.
Point of View
I believe this victory by Crystal Palace is a testament to the beauty of football and the underdog spirit. It's an inspiring narrative for fans and a reminder that anything is possible in sport.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the FA Cup final?
Crystal Palace defeated Manchester City 1-0.
Who scored the winning goal for Crystal Palace?
Eberechi Eze scored the decisive goal.
When was the FA Cup final held?
The FA Cup final took place on May 17, 2023.
How significant is this win for Crystal Palace?
This victory marks Crystal Palace's first major trophy in 164 years.
What does this win mean for Manchester City?
This loss ended an eight-year streak of winning at least one major trophy per season.
