Crystal Palace Stun Manchester City to Win FA Cup Final

Crystal Palace beat Manchester City 1-0 in the FA Cup final, securing their first-ever major trophy. Dean Henderson's heroics in goal proved crucial.

Crystal Palace made history by beating Manchester City 1-0 in the 2025 FA Cup final, securing the club's first-ever major trophy. This win marked the end of a seven-match winless head-to-head run against Manchester City.

Eberechi Eze scored the winning goal in the 16th minute, and Dean Henderson became the hero of the day by saving an Omar Marmoush penalty. This victory is a significant milestone for Crystal Palace, marking their first major honor in their 120-year history.

Manchester City dominated the early stages, with Kevin De Bruyne dictating the pace and linking up with Erling Haaland, whose volley was smartly saved by Dean Henderson. Despite City's relentless pressure, it was Crystal Palace who capitalized on a counter-attack to score the opening goal.

HISTORY MADE.

— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) May 17, 2025

Daniel Munoz delivered a pinpoint cross from the left, which Eberechi Eze volleyed home, giving Palace a crucial lead in the 16th minute.

Crystal Palace's valiant defense was tested twice by moments of madness that nearly cost them the game. Dean Henderson's impulsive decision to charge out of his goal and meet Erling Haaland raised concerns about a potential handball, but VAR surprisingly chose not to intervene.

Later, Tyrick Mitchell's rash challenge on Bernardo Silva in the box appeared to warrant a penalty, but VAR again declined to take action, allowing Palace to hold on.

Tyrick Mitchell was fortunate to avoid a penalty after his rash challenge on Bernardo Silva, but Dean Henderson's exceptional goalkeeping skills saved the situation. Henderson produced a stunning one-handed save to deny Omar Marmoush's penalty attempt.

🏆 @CPFC are your 2024-25 #EmiratesFACup winners 🏆 pic.twitter.com/ufAyghAUIS

— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) May 17, 2025

Henderson continued to impress, making another spectacular save before halftime, diving to his left to beat Doku's curling effort away. The Manchester United academy product proved to be a crucial factor in Palace's victory.

Dean Henderson's heroics gave Palace the platform to build on, and they thought they'd doubled their lead when Daniel Munoz pounced on a loose ball in the box. However, the goal was ruled out due to Ismaila Sarr's offside position, sparing Manchester City's blushes.

"I'm going to Disney World" 🤣

Crystal Palace's full-time celebrations captured on 360 cam by Chris Richards 🤩#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/5Df1KaJ7ym

— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) May 17, 2025

Manchester City struggled to capitalize on their chances, with Kevin De Bruyne's perfectly weighted pass to Nico O'Riley wasted when the youngster hesitated and had his shot blocked by Munoz.

As desperation set in for Manchester City, Pep Guardiola made an unusual move, introducing Claudio Echeverri for his debut. Echeverri's introduction almost paid off when Kevin De Bruyne found him in the box, but Dean Henderson made another crucial save, denying the young Argentine.

Palace held on nervously in the closing stages, with 10 minutes of added time exacerbating the tension. Despite City's late push, Henderson and the Palace defense managed to see out the win.

Palace didn't need to be overly nervous, as City failed to create significant chances in the remaining minutes. The Eagles held on to secure a historic victory, marking a landmark day for the club.

This win brings much-needed silverware to Selhurst Park and also earns Palace a spot in the UEFA Europa League next season, the perfect cherry on top of their achievement.