A Night to Remember at Wembley
Crystal Palace made history under the Wembley arch, claiming their first-ever major trophy by stunning Manchester City 1-0 in the FA Cup final. But this glittering triumph was born not out of dominance, but defiance — a journey from crisis to coronation, steered by manager Oliver Glasner.
The season had begun in despair. Palace failed to win any of their opening eight Premier League games, with their first victory not coming until late October against Tottenham. It was their worst start since 1992–93. Yet under the sun at Wembley, that bleak chapter was all but forgotten as red and blue scarves waved in celebration.
Glasner’s Faith Never Wavered
When questions surrounded Glasner’s future, chairman Steve Parish and the club’s hierarchy held firm. Their loyalty was rewarded with silverware — and vindication.
Glasner, the 50-year-old Austrian, remained composed during the storm. “It’s time for hugging my players, not kicking them,” he said during those trying times. On FA Cup final day, that affection turned into joy as Glasner and his squad embraced history.
“I am so proud,” Parish told BBC One. “Oliver made us all believe.”
The Tactical Mastermind Behind the Turnaround
Glasner’s system, built around the attacking trio of Eberechi Eze, Ismaila Sarr, and Jean-Philippe Mateta, clicked into place. Mateta led the line with power, while Eze and Sarr created chaos behind him.
The numbers speak volumes. Daniel Muñoz, rampaging from defense, contributed six goals and seven assists — tied for most goal involvements by any Premier League defender in 2024–25. The back three of Chris Richards, Maxence Lacroix, and Marc Guehi formed a resolute wall, even as Guehi exited injured just past the hour mark at Wembley.
A Perfect Plan Amid Transition
Palace’s slow start had its reasons. Key players like Eze, Guehi, Wharton, and Henderson returned late from international duty. Star man Michael Olise had departed for Bayern Munich. New signings, including Eddie Nketiah and Lacroix, needed time to gel. Glasner, ever meticulous and methodical, stuck to his plan. The payoff was spectacular.
His faith in players never faltered. His strategy never wavered. And when it mattered most, those players rose to the occasion.
Eze the Game-Changer, Henderson the Hero
One Shot. One Goal. One Moment.
Eze lit up Wembley with a breathtaking 16th-minute goal — Palace’s first shot, first touch in the box, and the match-winner. It was the culmination of a blistering counterattack and a season-long redemption arc for a player who had defined their FA Cup run.
He was the difference in earlier rounds too — netting crucial goals against Fulham and Aston Villa. When tales of Palace’s FA Cup fairytale are told, Eze’s name will be sung with pride.
Dean Henderson’s Redemption
At the other end, Dean Henderson stood tall. A near-flawless performance saw him deny Erling Haaland, Josko Gvardiol, and Jeremy Doku. One controversial moment — a handball outside the box — was ruled non-critical by VAR. But beyond that, Henderson was immense.
His performance frustrated Pep Guardiola, who appeared to direct angry words at the Palace keeper post-match. But the Palace faithful chanted: “England’s number one.”
Head coach Thomas Tuchel watched from the stands, no doubt impressed. Henderson’s England credentials have rarely looked stronger.
A Moment Decades in the Making
The heartbreaks of 1990 and 2016 were finally erased. Palace fans, vibrant and vocal, had long yearned for this moment — and it came in style.
Glasner, who had only visited Wembley previously as a fan or as a dad dropping his daughter at a Taylor Swift concert, now etched his name into its legends. A 3-0 win over Villa in the semi-final was impressive; this was historic.
After ten agonizing minutes of added time, the final whistle blew. “Glad All Over” echoed through Wembley. Palace had done it.
Glasner had one message before the final: “You don’t talk about the egg until the hen has laid it.”
Now, the egg is golden — and the tale unforgettable.
Final Score: Crystal Palace 1–0 Manchester City
Goalscorer: Eberechi Eze (16’)
Man of the Match: Dean Henderson
Palace fans, rejoice. The Eagles have truly landed. 🦅🏆
