Crystal Palace Wins FA Cup: Glasner's Tactics Pay Off Against Manchester City

Oliver Glasner's tactics pay off as Crystal Palace beats Manchester City in the FA Cup final. Glasner credits team's spirit and patience for the win.

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner attributed the team's FA Cup success to patience, celebrating the club's first major trophy after their win. Eberechi Eze's early goal and Dean Henderson's crucial penalty save were key moments in the victory.

Glasner's side held their nerve against Manchester City, with Eze scoring in the 16th minute and Henderson denying Omar Marmoush from the spot to secure the win at Wembley.

Manchester City dominated possession, holding nearly 80% of the ball, but couldn't break through Crystal Palace's defense. Despite their attacking prowess, City were ultimately unable to score.

“We had to defend so much,” said Glasner. “The spirit and togetherness on the pitch was amazing. It was all about being patient, we analysed that if you give them the pocket then they are so good. We had to be patient, let them cross, defend and wait for the moment to attack. I can't believe it.”

It was just one more game 🤷 pic.twitter.com/bDidxeofL6

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

Glasner credited a 5-2 Premier League defeat to City last month for teaching Palace valuable lessons. “They are so good in their movements, from the 5-2 defeat we learned that if you give them the pocket we will lose,” said the Austrian manager. This insight informed Palace's patient approach in the FA Cup final.

“We usually attack more but we had to be patient and wait for the right moment.

“When they play with four attacking players it's difficult to defend, but in transition we knew we could create overloads. No winger likes to defend. It was a great goal.”

Glasner revealed that Sunday's training session was cancelled to celebrate the FA Cup win. He added that the players are keen to scrap Monday's training session as well. “Special credit to the players, they've never lost belief in me and the coaching staff,” Glasner said, praising his team's commitment.