By Nwaduba Gerald
May 17th 2025 is indeed a day South London won’t be forgetting anytime soon, Crystal Palace Football Club won its first major trophy after 120 years thereby gaining automatic qualification to the Europa League next season thanks to an Eberechi Eze first half goal and an awesome performance by goalkeeper Dean Henderson including a penalty save.
All through the game Palace showed great defensive organization in addition to some great individual defensive play Dean Henderson saved an Omar Marmoush penalty and also made 6 saves in the game. Right back Daniel Muñoz also put in a great defensive and offensive shift which included an assist for the winner and ultimately a man of the match award.
It wasn’t just a win or a trophy for Crystal Palace but an extraordinary moment in many ways for coach Oliver Glasner it was a first trophy for the club and a place in the palace hall of fame. For club chairman Steve Parish who bought the club to save it from administration in 2010 it was a dream come true for captain Joel Ward it was the best possible farewell after 13 years at the club .For new signing Daichi Kamada it was a beautiful redemption story after a slow start to life in South London and for Eberechi Eze it was a moment that turned him into a Crystal Palace legend in the making.
After losing one final versus Manchester United via penalties in 2016 this felt like redemption in the best possible way. The team has looked evidently better under new manager Oliver Glasner despite losing Michael Olise to German giants Bayern Munich last summer. Players like Eberechi Eze who scored the winner, Daniel Muñoz, Adam Wharton, Dean Henderson and Jean Mateta have all thrived under Glasner, giving Crystal Palace a new look
With a community shield against Liverpool at the start of next season and Europa League assured, Crystal Palace could be on their way from being a mid-table side to establishing themselves as one of the top teams in the English top flight
(FA CUP)
1 Comment
Winning your first ever major trophy against City is an amazing experience for a small London Club like Crystal Palace
This was a beautiful read brother. I’d like to see more of your work