Credit: Imago

Harri Burton

Sat 17 May 2025 18:47, UK

Man City’s miserable 2024/25 campaign took yet another blow following a 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final.

Tottenham-linked star Eberechi Eze scored the only goal of the game at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, 17 May, lighting up half the stadium after just 16 minutes and, eventually, winning the cup.

Erling Haaland had the perfect chance to draw Man City level, with a penalty kick awarded for a foul on Bernardo Silva, only for the star striker to hand the duty off to Omar Marmoush, who missed from 12 yards.

Dean Henderson should have been sent off for Palace during the game, handling the ball outside the penalty area, but the decision went against City after a VAR review and the Englishman proved vital.

The Citizens created plenty of chances in the final moments, especially through substitute Claudio Echeverri, but it was not to be as the Eagles lifted their first major trophy in the club’s history.

Josko Gvardiol to hold head high after Crystal Palace defeat

Stefan Ortega – 4

Conceded the only goal of the FA Cup final, unable to get his body behind Eze’s low strike. Disappointing after being trusted ahead of Ederson for Man City’s most important game of the season.

Manuel Akanji – 3

Was constantly ripped apart down the right-hand side. Lost far too many battles, nearly gave away a goal with an awful touch inside his own six-yard box, and never looked comfortable.

Ruben Dias – 5

Bullied by Jean-Philippe Mateta for much of the game, finally picking up a yellow card in the final 10 minutes, and failed to act as a strong leader in the FA Cup final.

Josko Gvardiol – 7 – Man of the Match

The best of a bad bunch. Remained strong in the air, won his battles, and even created chances in the final third in an attempt to bring his team back into the game at Wembley Stadium.

Nico O’Reilly – 5

Should have done far better with his goalscoring chance late in the game. Was caught out at the left-back position on a number of occasions, but that can be put down to his inexperience in huge moments.

Kevin De Bruyne fails to win silverware in final Man City season

Bernardo Silva (Off for Gundogan 88′) – 6

Kept plugging away, trying to keep his team in the game by creating chances, winning battles in the middle of the park, but was a little overzealous in the closing stages and picked up a yellow card.

Kevin De Bruyne – 5

A very disappointing display from the Belgian superstar. Despite a number of chances created, few were clear-cut enough for his teammates, and he failed to take the game by the scruff of the neck.

Savinho (Off for Foden 76′) – 4

While his pace often sees him get past opponents, he did very little with the ball in important areas, and was rightly taken off with 15 minutes remaining.

Jeremy Doku – 6

The winger was wasteful with the ball at his feet, but given the lack of ambition around him, at least he was pushing to find a much-needed equaliser and left everything out on the pitch.

Erling Haaland passes crucial penalty to Omar Marmoush

Omar Marmoush (Off for Echeverri 76′) – 2

Disappointment. Having missed a penalty in the first half after taking it from Haaland, he had very little other impact on the game and needed to be replaced. Tough day at Wembley.

Erling Haaland – 3

Should have scored from the penalty spot. Battled well in the air and had chances but was squeezed out of the game by an incredibly solid Crystal Palace side.

Substitutions

Claudio Echeverri (On for Omar Marmoush 76′) – 6

Although he missed key chances, it was a very bright cameo from the youngster, and given it was his debut, fans will be looking forward to seeing more of him in the future.

Phil Foden (On for Savinho 76′) – 5

Added very little after coming on. Created one chance but failed to make the intended impact for City.

Ilkay Gundogan (On for Silva 88′) – 4

Made zero impact after coming onto the pitch.