In a stunning FA Cup Final upset, Ebere Eze’s early strike was enough to hand Crystal Palace a 1-0 victory over Manchester City and secure the club’s first major trophy in decades.
Ebere Eze found the net in the 16th minute after a brilliant assist from right-back Daniel Muñoz. The midfielder’s composed finish past City goalkeeper Ederson proved decisive in a tense and emotionally charged encounter at Wembley.
City’s afternoon went from bad to worse when Omar Marmoush squandered a golden opportunity to equalize, firing a penalty wide in the 36th minute after a controversial VAR decision. It was a pivotal moment in a game that highlighted City’s misfiring attack and lack of cutting edge — a recurring theme in their disappointing 2024/25 season.
For Manchester City, this defeat marks the end of a trophyless campaign. With the club still fighting to secure a top-four finish in the Premier League, pressure continues to mount on Pep Guardiola’s side. This is the first time under his tenure that City have failed to lift a single piece of silverware, and their hopes of UEFA Champions League qualification remain uncertain.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace’s remarkable run to the final caps off a season of revival under new manager Oliver Glasner. The Austrian tactician, who took over mid-season, has transformed Palace into a disciplined and tactically astute unit — and now, FA Cup champions.
The win is Palace’s first-ever FA Cup triumph and their first major title since winning the old Division One playoff final in 1997. Ebere Eze’s name will now be etched in club folklore, his 16th-minute winner delivering glory on English football’s biggest domestic stage.
