The 2024/25 FA Cup final at Wembley ended stunningly as Crystal Palace pulled off one of the season’s biggest upsets, defeating favourites Manchester City 1-0 to claim the club’s first-ever FA Cup title in its 120-year history. The victory earned the Eagles their first top-tier trophy and secured a spot in next season’s UEFA Europa League.
Eze’s Early Strike, Missed Penalty Costly for Man City
Palace got off to a dream start. In the 16th minute, Eberechi Eze found space in the box to tap home the opening goal, shocking a packed Wembley Stadium. Man City, determined to turn the tide, earned a golden opportunity in the 33rd minute when they were awarded a penalty.
Surprisingly, Erling Haaland stepped aside and allowed teammate Marmoush to take the spot kick. His shot, however, was brilliantly saved by Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson. Haaland’s follow-up attempt was also denied. That moment proved pivotal, as City failed to convert despite dominating possession and chances.
Dean Henderson Delivers a Final to Remember
Dean Henderson was nothing short of heroic between the sticks. The Palace shot-stopper made four key saves, including the game-changing penalty stop. His performance earned him Player of the Match honours and carved his name into FA Cup history.
Statistically, Henderson’s penalty-stopping prowess is elite. He has saved 9 of 22 career penalties, a 41% success rate (well above the league average of 20%). He became the first goalkeeper since 2010 to save a penalty during regular time in an FA Cup final (excluding shootouts).
A controversial moment in the first half saw Henderson potentially handle the ball outside the box. After VAR review, it was deemed non-punishable as the ball was moving toward the sideline and not the goal, meaning there was no explicit denial of a scoring opportunity.
Man City End Season Trophyless: A Rare Feat Under Guardiola
For Man City, the result marked the end of a frustrating season. Despite competing in four major competitions, the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and League Cup, they walked away with zero major silverware, aside from last season’s Community Shield.
This is the first time since 2017 that City has ended a campaign without a major trophy, and the first time Pep Guardiola has gone two consecutive years without winning the FA Cup. Guardiola has excelled in domestic cup finals, previously only losing the 2011 Copa del Rey final with Barcelona.
After the match, Guardiola reflected on his team’s performance, saying they had done many things right and created plenty of chances, but ultimately failed to score, the decisive factor in their defeat. He acknowledged that Crystal Palace defended deep with all 11 players behind the ball, yet City still managed to break through on several occasions, only to fall short in the final touch.
Guardiola highlighted the improvements his team had made defensively in recent weeks. He noted that after a season plagued by conceding too many goals, they had tightened up significantly, allowing just five goals in their last nine matches. Despite the progress, he admitted, “Today wasn’t our day.”
Crystal Palace Make History
For Crystal Palace, the victory was not just a title but a fairytale. The club got over the line after losing in their previous two FA Cup final appearances. This trophy ends over a century of waiting and launches the club onto the European stage for the first time.
Palace executed their game plan flawlessly, absorbing pressure, staying compact, and capitalising on key moments. It wasn’t flashy, but it was effective. As the final whistle blew, the Eagles soared into history, lifting the FA Cup for the first time and giving fans a moment they’ll never forget.
Man City’s season ends in rare disappointment, four competitions, no trophies. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace achieved the unthinkable: winning their first-ever FA Cup and securing a Europa League spot. It was a day for history at Wembley, and the Eagles rose higher than ever before.
