Crystal Palace player ratings: Dean Henderson exceptional as Eberechi Eze seals historic FA Cup final win | OneFootball

Eagles hold on to Eberechi Eze’s first-half goal to claim first-ever major trophy

Star man: Dean Henderson

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Crystal Palace secured the greatest day in their history as they beat Manchester City 1-0 at Wembley to win the FA Cup and seal their first-ever major trophy.

Competing in the FA Cup final for just the third time in their history, the Eagles scored the only goal of the game in the 16th minute when Eberechi Eze swept home from Daniel Munoz’s cross.

Palace thought they had a second but Daniel Munoz’s strike was disallowed for an offside by Ismaila Sarr, yet the Eagles hung on to secure their place at the forefront of the club’s history.

Dom Smith was at Wembley Stadium to rate the Palace players’ performances…

Dean Henderson 9

A monstrous performance from the Palace goalkeeper, who avoided a red card for appearing to handle outside the area and so stayed on to produce the match of his life. The save from Marmoush’s penalty was exceptional, and a host of other saves earnt the England goalkeeper a richly deserved clean-sheet.

Chris Richards 8

Got his foot to plenty, defending resolutely throughout. Has been such an important player for Palace since Trevoh Chalobah returned to Chelsea in January.

Maxence Lacroix 7

Another important display at the back from the Eagles’ central defender, who dealt well with Erling Haaland.

Marc Guehi 7

Some really important headed clearances from the captain, but had to come off after an hour after the ball struck his face from close range.

Daniel Munoz 8

Outstanding. Assisted Eze for the goal and added the second, only for it to be disallowed for an offside by Ismaila Sarr. Never stops running.

Adam Wharton 8

Calm and positive in midfield, helping to slow Palace down when they needed an element of composure to their play.

Daichi Kamada 8

Really rose to the occasion in the semi-final and did so again, many of his most important important contributions coming defensively.

Tyrick Mitchell 7

The penalty he conceded ought to have been overturned because he touched the ball. Otherwise, bright.

Ismaila Sarr 8

Like Munoz, delivered a typically tireless display out wide for Palace, carrying the ball into pockets of space and relieving pressure.

Eberechi Eze 9

Palace’s talisman delivered their fanbase their greatest day, scoring for the fifth straight game. Is on a rather extraordinary run of form right now.

Jean-Philippe Mateta 8

Ran the hard yards up front, twisting and turning and keeping the ball away from the City defenders, holding it up superbly.

Subs:

Jefferson Lerma (Guehi, 61’) 7

Came on and slotted in the back-line well after Guehi had gone off.

Eddie Nketiah (Mateta, 78’) N/A

Will Hughes (Wharton, 87’) N/A

Not used: Turner, Ward, Clyne, Esse, Chilwell, Devenny