By Victor Kanayo
Crystal Palace shocked Manchester City 1-0 in the FA Cup final on Saturday to secure their first major trophy in the club’s history.
The defeat marks the first time Pep Guardiola and Manchester City have finished a season without silverware since the 2016–17 campaign.
Eberechi Eze gave Oliver Glasner’s side the lead in the first half at Wembley Stadium, capping off a classic Palace counter-attack.
Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, City failed to find the equaliser — highlighted by a missed penalty from Omar Marmoush that will no doubt haunt them.
Beaten by Manchester United in their previous FA Cup final appearances in 1990 and 2016, Palace’s shock win was no more than they deserved, as City once again imploded in a dismal season that will be their first without major silverware since 2016–17.
After winning the Premier League in the previous four seasons, City have endured a turbulent campaign that ranks among the worst in Guardiola’s storied managerial career.
Currently sixth in the Premier League, City host Bournemouth on Tuesday and travel to Fulham on 25 May as they try to salvage their wretched year by at least qualifying for the Champions League.
