Crystal Palace's FA Cup Triumph: Eze's Goal Downs Manchester City
In a stunning upset at Wembley Stadium, Crystal Palace defeated Manchester City 1-0 to win the FA Cup final on May 17, 2025. Eberechi Eze's first-half goal proved to be the difference, securing Palace's first major trophy and a spot in the UEFA Europa League.
The match was a tightly contested affair, with both teams displaying tactical prowess and determination. Crystal Palace, managed by Oliver Glasner, executed their game plan flawlessly, frustrating Manchester City's star-studded attack.
Match Summary
The game began with Manchester City, led by Pep Guardiola, dominating possession and creating early chances. However, Crystal Palace's defense remained resolute, thwarting City's attempts to break the deadlock. In the 16th minute, Daniel Muñoz delivered a precise cross to Eberechi Eze, who calmly slotted the ball into the net, giving Crystal Palace a surprising lead.
Manchester City responded with increased intensity, winning a penalty in the 33rd minute. However, Omar Marmoush's penalty was saved by Crystal Palace's goalkeeper, Dean Henderson, who had an outstanding performance throughout the match.
The second half saw Manchester City continuing to press for an equalizer, but Crystal Palace's defense held firm. Despite City's relentless pressure and tactical substitutions, Palace managed to maintain their lead and secure a historic victory.
Key Moments
- 16' Goal: Eberechi Eze scores for Crystal Palace, assisted by Daniel Muñoz.
- 36' Penalty Save: Dean Henderson saves Omar Marmoush's penalty.
- 58' VAR Decision: A Crystal Palace goal by Daniel Muñoz is disallowed for offside.
Team Lineups
Crystal Palace (3-4-2-1):
- Goalkeeper: Dean Henderson
- Defenders: Chris Richards, Maxence Lacroix, Marc Guéhi (Jefferson Lerma 61')
- Midfielders: Daniel Muñoz, Adam Wharton (Will Hughes 87'), Daichi Kamada, Tyrick Mitchell
- Forwards: Ismaïla Sarr, Eberechi Eze
- Striker: Jean-Philippe Mateta (Eddie Nketiah 78')
Manchester City (4-2-3-1):
- Goalkeeper: Stefan Ortega
- Defenders: Manuel Akanji, Rúben Dias, Joško Gvardiol, Nico O'Reilly
- Midfielders: Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva (İlkay Gündoğan 88')
- Forwards: Savinho (Phil Foden 76'), Omar Marmoush (Claudio Echeverri 76'), Jérémy Doku
- Striker: Erling Haaland
Match Statistics
The match stats highlight Manchester City's dominance in possession, but Crystal Palace's efficiency in converting their chances.
| Statistic | Crystal Palace | Manchester City |
|---|---|---|
| Shots on Goal | 2 | 6 |
| Shots off Goal | 1 | 6 |
| Total Shots | 7 | 21 |
| Blocked Shots | 4 | 9 |
| Shots insidebox | 6 | 17 |
| Shots outsidebox | 1 | 4 |
| Fouls | 7 | 7 |
| Corner Kicks | 1 | 7 |
| Offsides | 6 | 1 |
| Ball Possession | 22% | 78% |
| Yellow Cards | 1 | 5 |
| Goalkeeper Saves | 6 | 1 |
| Total passes | 187 | 655 |
| Passes accurate | 125 | 597 |
| Passes % | 67% | 91% |
Player Ratings
Dean Henderson's stellar performance earned him the highest rating among Crystal Palace players, while Joško Gvardiol stood out for Manchester City.
Crystal Palace:
- Dean Henderson: 8.3
- Chris Richards: 7.3
- Maxence Lacroix: 6.6
- Marc Guéhi: 6.9
- Daniel Muñoz: 7.0
- Adam Wharton: 7.0
- Daichi Kamada: 6.3
- Tyrick Mitchell: 6.6
- Ismaïla Sarr: 6.7
- Eberechi Eze: 7.2
- Jean-Philippe Mateta: 6.3
- Jefferson Lerma (SUB): 6.6
- Edward Nketiah (SUB): 6.3
Manchester City:
- Stefan Ortega: 6.3
- Manuel Akanji: 7.2
- Rúben Dias: 7.6
- Joško Gvardiol: 7.9
- Nico O'Reilly: 6.9
- Kevin De Bruyne: 7.7
- Bernardo Silva: 7.2
- Savinho: 7.2
- Omar Marmoush: 6.2
- Jérémy Doku: 7.6
- Erling Haaland: 7.0
- Phil Foden (SUB): 6.9
- Claudio Echeverri (SUB): 6.9
Post-Match Analysis
Crystal Palace's victory can be attributed to their disciplined defensive performance and clinical finishing. Eberechi Eze's goal was a moment of brilliance, and Dean Henderson's saves kept Manchester City at bay. According to Reddit, this win mirrors the underdog spirit often seen in sports, adding a layer of excitement to the final.
For Manchester City, the loss marks a disappointing end to their FA Cup campaign. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, they failed to convert their opportunities. The absence of key players due to injury also played a significant role in their defeat.
Reactions
The result sent shockwaves through the football world, with fans and pundits expressing their surprise and admiration for Crystal Palace's performance. The victory was celebrated by Crystal Palace supporters as a historic moment in the club's history.
Betting Odds and Predictions
Before the match, betting odds favored Manchester City to win. However, Crystal Palace defied the odds, showcasing their resilience and determination. According to Reddit, the betting odds were:
- Crystal Palace: +313 (Decimal: 4.13)
- Draw: +286 (Decimal: 3.86)
- Manchester City: -112 (Decimal: 1.89)
Europa League Qualification
As FA Cup winners, Crystal Palace have secured a spot in the 2025-26 UEFA Europa League, marking a significant achievement for the club and their fans. This qualification will provide them with an opportunity to compete against top teams from across Europe.
Conclusion
Crystal Palace's FA Cup victory over Manchester City is a testament to their hard work, tactical discipline, and unwavering spirit. Eberechi Eze's goal will be remembered as the moment that sealed a historic triumph for the club. The match showcased the unpredictable nature of football and the ability of underdogs to rise to the occasion.
For football fans looking to relive the excitement, highlights and match analysis can be found on platforms like Reddit's footballhighlights subreddit, ensuring that the magic of this FA Cup final lives on.
The journey to Wembley was captured in a "Road to Wembley" special by BBC, highlighting the paths of both Crystal Palace and Manchester City, available on Reddit. This provides a deeper look into the strategies and preparations of both teams leading up to the final.
Where to Watch FA Cup Final Replays
For fans eager to re-watch the game or catch up on highlights, several options are available:
- TNT Sports: As highlighted on Reddit, TNT Sports provides coverage and replays of the FA Cup Final.
- r/footballhighlights: This Reddit community offers links to extended highlights, first-half, second-half, and post-match segments, ensuring fans don't miss any critical moments.
The Broader Impact
Crystal Palace's FA Cup win has reverberated beyond the realm of sports, sparking conversations about teamwork, determination, and the spirit of the underdog. The victory serves as an inspiring narrative, resonating with fans and observers alike. It underscores the essence of competitive sports, where passion and strategy can triumph over sheer dominance.