Crystal Palace is a south London based football club in the Premier League. They are a strong and sometimes tricky opposition to face. Yet, up until yesterday, their trophy cabinet was empty. This changed when they won the FA Cup against Manchester City.
Crystal Palace ended their long wait for silverware and qualified for the Europa League when Eberechi Eze struck in the 16th minute before goalkeeper, Dean Henderson, escaped a red card for handball and then saved Omar Marmoush's penalty in an action-packed first half.
The VAR, Jarred Gillett, deemed Henderson had not denied a clear goalscoring opportunity when he palmed the ball away from Erling Haaland after referee Stuart Attwell had allowed play to continue.
Crystal Palace manager, Oliver Glasner, said, "I thought, 'Why don't you kick the ball?' Then I had my fingers crossed the VAR didn't intervene. To be honest, I can't really believe it - when you play this game 10 times, you win it once, and this happened today. The goal was the first time we were in their half and then we just defended with every single part of the body. I'm really proud of the team and the whole staff. All the credit to them."
"When you always stick together and support each other, you deserve it. It's a special win for our fans."
Man City couldn't find a way past Henderson and his resilient defence despite naming an attacking line-up with no holding midfielder, with this the first season in eight years that Pep Guardiola has failed to win a major trophy at the club.
Crystal Palace were denied a second in the 58th minute for offside after Daniel Munoz had squeezed the ball home from a tight angle before Henderson denied teenager, Claudio Echeverri, twice late on to make history.
Unfortunately, there was bad news. Crystal Palace duo, Marc Guehi and Adam Wharton, were taken to hospital on Saturday night following the Eagles' sensational FA Cup final win over Manchester City.
Guehi was taken off in the match after the ball clattered into his face and, though the 24-year-old was able to lift the trophy, he was rushed off in an ambulance afterwards. Reports have suggested he may have sustained a fracture to his eye socket, though The Sun say he has severe bruising and hasn't suffered anything 'more serious'. He was only discharged from hospital at midnight, meaning he didn't travel to BoxPark with the rest of the squad.
Wharton also had to go to hospital, with the England international substituted in the closing stages of the contest after taking a thunderbolt from Kevin De Bruyne to the head. He had to undergo concussion tests - though did take to social media to suggest he was recovering well. Sharing a snap from his hospital bed, he said: "Apparently we won the FA Cup. Eaglessssssssss."
The Palace party was a special occasion for the squad, with Will Hughes filmed downing a pint. As for star striker, Jean-Philippe Mateta, the marksman was filmed dancing wildly. Crystal Palace boss, Oliver Glasner, meanwhile, was proud after guiding his team to FA Cup glory and said his players had given fans a 'moment for their lives'.
He said, "As football players or managers our biggest achievement is to give the fans a moment for their lives. We had a difficult start to the season [winning none of the first eight league games] – in difficult moments you need someone who hugs, not kicks you, so this is for the fans. The connection with the Crystal Palace players will stay forever."
Seeing an underdog win a tournament is always wonderful. They are one of the last teams that people believe will win. This is especially true when they face absolute powerhouses. When these types of teams win, it can be motivation for other underdog teams. It can show that any team can win the competition.
Congratulations Crystal Palace! All the best for your debut season in Europe!