Eberechi Eze heroic, Marc Guehi absent – Crystal Palace ratings in cup win v Man City
Eberechi Eze scored the all-important goal as Crystal Palace stunned Man City 1-0 in the FA Cup final.
Rejected by Arsenal, released by Fulham and Reading, turned away by Bristol City, Sunderland said no. But now, Eze is a Crystal Palace legend.
The England international’s first-half goal, in large part thanks to a wonderful cross from Daniel Munoz, gave the Eagles their first-ever major trophy.
Oliver Glasner may well be off to RB Leipzig in the summer, but if he goes, the Austrian has left behind the blueprint for a club ready to push on and become a consistent European challenger.
Next stop, a party in the streets of South London, and then the Europa League for the Eagles.
Crystal Palace stun Man City to win FA Cup
Dean Henderson – 9
Against the world’s most feared number nine and his dangerous sidekicks, Henderson stood tall. The England international saved everything that came his way, including Omar Marmoush’s tame penalty kick, taking all his luck to stay on the pitch for handling outside the area in front of Erling Haaland and using it to the fullest.
Chris Richards – 8
Calm and composed. The USA international put in his best performance in a Palace shirt, keeping Jeremy Doku quiet.
Maxence Lacroix – 8
Too easy. Lacroix cruised through the game, manhandling Erling Haaland when necessary and going stride-for-stride with Marmoush. Brilliant performance.
Marc Guehi – 4
Guehi seems certain to leave Palace and after a miserable first-half, the captain limped off with an injury. Not how he would want to go out but the trophy is all that will be remembered.
Daniel Munoz incredible for Crystal Palace
Daniel Munoz – 9
Munoz is a target for Man City, but after tearing his potential suitors to pieces, Palace may be inclined to double their asking price for the Colombian.
Adam Wharton (off for Hughes 86′) – 8
Wharton may well join Liverpool in the summer, but should he leave, he will do so having played a crucial role in the club’s win over City by dominating the midfield battle.
Daichi Kamada – 6
Barely saw the ball, but the Japanese international showed glimpses of his long-range shooting ability with an effort that glanced wide.
Tyrick Mitchell – 8
Dominant. Dealing with Savinho is a daunting task, but the 25-year-old had few issues contending with the lively Brazilian.
Ismaila Sarr lively in FA Cup final win
Ismaila Sarr – 7
Mercurial. Drifts in and out of the game and whilst he struggled for large portions of the match, Sarr remained a danger every time he was given space.
Eberechi Eze – 10 – Player of the Match
A perfect performance for a player who has cemented his place in club history. Eze will go down as the man who won Palace their first major trophy. Epitomises everything that has made the Eagles a success in recent years.
Jean-Philippe Mateta (off for Nketiah 78′) – 8
Man on a mission. Isolated and surrounded by some of the best defensive talent the world has to offer. Mateta took that in his stride, driving his team forward and was instrumental in Eze’s goal.
Substitutes
Jefferson Lerma (on for Guehi 61′) – 7
Filled in for his captain and did a stellar job keeping the City attacks at bay.
Eddie Nketiah (on for Mateta 78′) – 6
Given the tough remit of chasing down City’s defenders whilst his team sat back and defended valiantly.
Will Hughes (on for Wharton 86′) – 7
Added experience and composure in the closing stages for his side.