Crystal Palace has made history by winning the FA Cup for the first time, defeating Manchester City 1-0 in a thrilling final at Wembley. Eberechi Eze’s early strike proved to be the decisive goal, as Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson made a series of superb saves to deny City and secure the victory.

Eze’s goal was a culmination of his remarkable rise from rejection by Arsenal, Fulham, and Millwall as a youngster. His clinical finish in the 16th minute gave Palace the lead, and they never looked back.

The goal was a result of a brilliant break from Palace’s penalty area, with Jean-Philippe Mateta holding up a long pass and laying it off to Daniel Munoz, who crossed towards Eze.

Henderson was the hero of the match, making several crucial saves to deny City. He saved a penalty from Omar Marmoush in the 35th minute, and then made a series of superb saves to keep City at bay. Henderson’s performance was all the more impressive given that he could have been sent off for a handball outside the penalty area in the first half.

The loss was a devastating blow for Manchester City, who have endured a turbulent season. Despite winning the Premier League in the previous four seasons, City have struggled this year and will finish without major silverware for the first time since 2016-17.

Pep Guardiola’s team selection was questioned, as he picked an ultra-attacking line-up with no holding midfielder.

Guardiola’s decision to tinker with his tactics for the final backfired, as City lacked direction and were out-witted by Palace boss Oliver Glasner.

The City manager had questioned his players’ hunger earlier in the season, but it was not a lack of desire that was the problem against Palace.

Instead, it was a lack of cohesion and direction that ultimately cost City the match.