FA Cup

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      How Crystal Palace outsmarted Man City in FA Cup final with hokey cokey midfield and Glasner’s tactical masterclass

      by

      CRYSTAL PALACE made history by winning their first major trophy – after a tactical masterclass from Oliver Glasner. The Eagles outsmarted Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City to record a deserved 1-0 win at Wembley on Saturday. Eberechi Eze took his chance and proved to be the matchwinner against Man CityCredit: GettyOliver Glasner put together a bold tactical plan – and it workedCredit: GettyGlasner employed similar tactics to his team’s 5-2 loss against City earlier this season. But SunSport’s Dean Scoggins reveals how subtle tweaks to the system paid off for Palace.How did Palace set up? Glasner had an absolutely brilliant plan. It’s great for a club like Palace to win their first trophy.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Austrian said in his pre-match press conference that if Pep plays the same way again as he did when they beat them 5-2 at the Etihad, he’ll have a plan for it. I’ve got his number. And he did. He had his number. Everyone had to be well drilled, but they were. It’s a setup which we know they play 3-4-3 – but it was more of a 5-2-3.BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKPalace matched up with City to deny their playmakers space in midfieldThey set up with the wing backs very deep, Tyrick Mitchell on one side and Munoz the other side.Most read in FootballMunoz got forward a lot more than Mitchell did, but essentially they were a back five. Bold Oliver Glasner reveals eleven-word football lesson he gave Pep Guardiola on pitch after FA Cup finalAs well as the midfield two in front, it was where Eze and Ismaila Sarr got in the positions to stop City. Manchester City set up in a fairly predictable shape, but it was Nico O’Reilly who went into the inside left positionEze and Sarr dropped in alongside the midfield two, and then Mateta in front created a semicircle around in front of the midfield.Everywhere you looked, it looked like Palace had more players. City were unable to break through the compact Palace defenceWho caught the eye? The work rate of Eze and Sarr was so impressive.It showed how much Glasner trusted his forward players to do a defensive job and then be so compact between the lines. You also have give a hat tip to Adam Wharton, who as a young English midfield player was like the marshal in there.You could see him pointing, the conversations he was having with team-mates.It’s a relief he’s fine after suffering a concussion, which halted his celebrations. But his mind was definitely on it when he was in the game. He was absolutely brilliant.How did Mateta affect the game?He might not have had many chances in front of goal, but Mateta was crucial to Palace’s success.We know he holds the ball up well. We know he makes good runs in behind.Palace have said before the game, we know that City will have a deep-lying midfield player who will sit, who will drop off and recycle possession and go side to side.Mateta did tireless work off the ball for PalaceMateta had a massive job to do – and that was basically to go and mark that player out of possession.As a striker, he was man-marking Bernardo Silva for the majority of the game.City later swapped it round and it was De Bruyne trying to be the playmaker. Mateta did the same thing.It was a thankless role but a crucial one that stopped City getting the ball to their danger men. The Frenchman had the tough job of man-marking Bernando SilvaHow did Palace score?Glasner had a plan with Daniel Munoz where he was looking to exploit gaps left by O’Reilly.When the ball goes into Mateta, Munoz is only thinking one thing – get down the wing.It’s the understanding of the tactic and when to go, when to gamble.Because if you choose the wrong time against Manchester City, you’ve got Jeremy Doku to chase going back the other way.Munoz was on the move as soon as Mateta got the ballThe Colombian raced into the area where Nico O’Reilly should have beenMunoz crossed for Eze to smash in the matchwinnerWhere did City go wrong?Aside from the penalty, Omar Marmoush didn’t get in the game at all.Erling Haaland had one moment early in the first half where I thought, City are going to break them down here.De Bruyne went back into the pocket, and City forced Palace back into their area around the penalty spot.The Belgian hit a lovely cross, which Dean Henderson makes a great save from.De Bruyne linked up early with Haaland for a golden chance – but Palace didn’t let them do it againCity were camped just outside the Palace area all game, with Glasner’s side keeping them at arms lengthAfter that, it wasn’t working – but they didn’t change it up. City didn’t put the full-backs on the touchline and push the wingers inside.They could have put Haaland up the middle to try and push Palace into a 3v3 at the back.But they didn’t. It was the same set-up all the way through.Read More on The SunThey just didn’t have that man in front of the back three or back four to dictate play.Mateta was the key and gave them a problem with the way he was marking. More

    • 150 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Crystal Palace heroes deliver at Wembley but will hangovers prevent midweek returns?

      by

      CRYSTAL PALACE lifted their first major trophy at Wembley on Saturday after defeating Manchester City 1-0 in the FA Cup final.And from a Dream Team perspective, the defining moment could not have been scripted better.Eze scored the most famous goal in Palace’s historyCredit: GettyEberechi Eze (£5.4m) was comfortably the most popular recruit for Gameweek 36 and it was the 26-year-old who scored what proved to be a historic winner in the 16th minute.Palace’s No10 has now scored six goals in his last five outings, a fruitful spell that has yielded 59 points.His cup-winning strike propelled him past the 300-point mark – he’s just the fifth midfielder to achieve a triple century this season.Fittingly, it was Daniel Munoz (£5.4m) who provided the assist for Eze at Wembley.The Colombian wing-back has been an exceptional performer throughout 2024/25 and now ranks first among defenders with 299 points to his name.Munoz has been immenseCredit: GettyMunoz has scored six goals, registered eight assists, contributed to 17 clean sheets, and made a whopping 144 tackles.He played his part in keeping Pep Guardiola’s side at bay and ultimately notched 12 points for his 12th double-digit haul of the campaign.Eze and Munoz are Palace’s two most selected players in Dream Team and so their combined return of 22 points would have been warmly welcomed by many gaffers.Most read in FootballMany Dream Team bosses would have backed the pair – or the likes of Marc Guehi (£4m), Jean-Philippe Mateta (£4m) and Ismaila Sarr (£4.1m) – because Oliver Glasner’s side have two fixtures to fulfil this Gameweek but how will that play out after sizeable celebrations?Glasner probably hasn’t given much thought to the Wolves game… and rightly soCredit: AlamyIt will certainly be interesting to see how the Eagles line up against Wolves in midweek.The South Londoners are guaranteed to finish in mid-table in the Premier League no matter what happens from this point and so it wouldn’t be a surprise if a few key players nursed well-deserved hangovers from the stands at Selhurst Park on Tuesday night.On the other hand, with the result largely irrelevant, Glasner may feel his regulars deserve to take centre stage for what might become a glorified victory lap.If the latter turns out to be true then Eze and friends may even stumble upon a few more useful points.Henderson saved Marmoush’s penaltyCredit: ReutersDean Henderson (£4.1m) was Palace’s hero at the other end of the pitch, particularly for his save from Omar Marmoush’s (£4.8m) first-half penalty.The England goalkeeper banked 12 points when all was said and done and now ranks third among players in his position with 196 points.At the risk of thinking too far ahead, victory in the FA Cup final means the Eagles will participate in next season’s Europa League and the prospect of extra fixtures for Eze, Munoz and company should put Dream Team bosses on high alert.But that’s a conversation for a later date.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More

    • 275 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘He was there with me’ – Dean Henderson gets emotional live on GMB over death of his dad after FA Cup triumph

      by

      DEAN HENDERSON became visibly emotional as he opened up on the passing of his father, who he insists was “there with” him during Crystal Palace’s FA Cup final triumph.The Palace and England stopper lost his dad, Dougie, before the start of the 2024/25 season. Dean Henderson lost his father, Dougie, last JulyHis late father passed away 11 days after England’s Euro 2024 defeat to SpainHenderson became visibly emotional when speaking about his late dad on GMBCredit: ITVDougie tragically passed away 11 days after England’s Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain last July, in which Henderson was an unused substitute. Henderson’s thoughts turned to his late father after his FA Cup final heroics against Manchester City last Saturday, in which he saved a first-half penalty from Omar Marmoush not long after he controversially avoided a red card. And he was once again full of emotion thinking about Dougie, who passed away aged 57, during an appearance on Good Morning Britain on Monday.He said: “It was obviously a hugely emotional day in that respect. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”In the last 24 hours, I’ve probably thought about it quite a lot. “But, obviously, when you’re in the moment, you’ve just got to focus on the game. “The afterthought of it really comes when you can’t pick up the phone with him and have a chat with him and tell him what you’ve done. “He’d have normally been there in the stadium watching. Most read in FootballHenderson paid tribute to Dougie in the immediate aftermath of Crystal Palace’s FA Cup final triumphCredit: GETTY”But listen, it’s incredible and I take good pride knowing that I think he was there with me.”Henderson’s immediate post-match tribute to his late father was equally as touching.Dean Henderson dedicates Crystal Palace’s FA Cup final triumph to dad after his tragic deathThe former Manchester United stopper said: “It’s why I left (Man Utd), it’s what I set out to do. “But honestly I lost my dad at the start of the season and I’ll miss him here today. “But he was with me every kick of the ball today and I dedicate that win to him.” Palace won their first major trophy in their 120-year history thanks to a 1-0 win at Wembley.Eberechi Eze struck in the 16th minute to condemn City to yet more misery this season.Henderson was lucky not to see red in the 24th minute when he handled the ball outside of the box with Erling Haaland bearing down on goal.Dean Henderson played a huge role in Palace’s stunning 1-0 FA Cup final win over CityCredit: GettyThe England international was lucky not to see red for a deliberate handballCredit: GETTYVAR decided the offense WASN’T worthy of a red card, which would have huge ramifications ten minutes later when Henderson saved Marmoush’s spot kick.City boss Pep Guardiola was fuming with the decision and was involved in an angry post-match spat with Henderson.Recalling the incident, Henderson told ITV: “I just want to shake his hand. Read More on The Sun”But I think he was disappointed with the time wasting. “I said, ‘You got the ten minutes you wanted.’ There’s no hard feelings.” More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Oliver Glasner to stay at Crystal Palace next season but FA Cup winners ‘must develop’ to keep him any longer

      by

      CRYSTAL PALACE chief Steve Parish reckons that boss Oliver Glasner will DEFINITELY stay at the club next season.The Eagles clinched their first major trophy in Saturday’s 1-0 FA Cup win over Manchester City.Crystal Palace are confident of keeping hold of FA Cup winner Oliver GlasnerCredit: GettyBut they face a battle to keep Glasner, who could be a target for Tottenham. The Austrian  has a year on his  deal and talks with the club have been slow.But Parish insisted: “Oliver will be here next year. Everybody knows the length of his contract. Beyond that we’ll have to talk. We want to try and extend his contract.“But it needs to be right for everybody. What happens down the track, summer transfer window, players,  it’s for tomorrow.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“But he’ll be here next year,  then we’ll take it from there.“Of course I want him to stay but things happen in football and clubs evolve and move on.“I’d love him to stay but the club’s got to develop behind him, and the club has to show the ambition. And if that all aligns,  maybe he will.”As for a new long-term deal for Glasner, chairman Parish added: “We’ve been talking about it. For Oliver, it’s not about the things that maybe people think it’s about. Oliver wants to be part of something that’s going in a direction.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSGlasner, 50, is likely to be in demand throughout Europe this summer.He also led Eintracht Frankfurt to the Europa League title in 2022.Crystal Palace stars lift FA Cup trophy as they win first major honour in club’s history with win over Man CityPalace will hold a trophy parade next Monday.The futures of Wembley matchwinner Eberechi Eze and skipper Marc Guehi are also in doubt.But Parish reckons it will be easier to sign players in the summer as the club will be playing in the Europa League next season — their first time in Europe.He said: “When you go for players, it’s ‘Ah, he wants to play in Europe, so he’s going to go wherever’. So of course you’ve got that in your locker.” More

    • 200 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Pep Guardiola’s furious five-word message to Dean Henderson after FA Cup final defeat ‘revealed’ by lipreader

      by

      PEP GUARDIOLA called Dean Henderson a “disgrace” after yesterday’s FA Cup final, claims an expert lip-reader.The Manchester City boss confronted Crystal Palace’s victorious goalkeeper moments after the final whistle.Dean Henderson rowed with Pep Guardiola after the matchCredit: PAThe pair were broken up by Matt TurnerCredit: ReutersHenderson, 28, had been lucky not to be sent off in the first half after handling outside of his box.It later emerged that Guardiola’s frustration did not come from that incident, but from what he perceived to be excessive time-wasting – despite 10 minutes of stoppage time being added on at the end of the 90 minutes.After the game, the Mail enlisted the help of professional lip-reader Jeremy Freeman to analyse the exchange.According to Freeman, Guardiola told Henderson: “You didn’t deserve that. Disgrace.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWith Henderson hitting back “You still had your 10 minutes,” Guardiola is said to have added: “It’s not fair play. You should not – it’s not fair.”The incident was broken up by Crystal Palace’s former Arsenal goalkeeper Matt Turner.Asked about the incident by ITV, Henderson said: “I just want to shake his hand.”But I think he was disappointed with the time wasting.Most read in FA CupCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHenderson, 28, hoists the FA Cup aloftCredit: Getty”I said, ‘You got the ten minutes you wanted’. There’s no hard feelings.”Guardiola, meanwhile, admitted that he was upset by Crystal Palace’s style.Dean Henderson dedicates Crystal Palace’s FA Cup final triumph to dad after his tragic deathThe Spaniard, 54, said of Henderson: “He defended his position, we defend our position. It’s English football. Everyone can do whatever they want.”We have to score goals. We didn’t lose because Henderson did that. They gave nine or 10 minutes extra time but it’s a question of rhythm.”All the fans are there to let 22 players play. When Barcelona play, they attack and the other team attacks and it’s beautiful. But it’s a question of the referee. We don’t have the rhythm.”I understand when it’s 87 minutes, 96, but I don’t feel it. My teams never try because I try to play the game that the people deserve to watch.”Saying that, congratulations to Henderson and Palace because they defended really well and we were not able to score a goal.”Henderson, who saved Omar Marmoush’s first half penalty, went on to dedicate his FA Cup triumph to his late father Dougie.Read More on The SunThe former Manchester United stopper said: “I lost my dad at the start of the season and I’ll miss him here today.”He was with me every kick of the ball today and I dedicate that win to him.”Crystal Palace ratingsCRYSTAL PALACE secured their first ever trophy with a famous FA Cup final victory over Manchester City. More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Marc Guehi rushed to hospital after FA Cup final amid fears Crystal Palace captain suffered fractured eye socket

      by

      MARC GUEHI was rushed to hospital after Crystal Palace’s FA Cup final victory.The Eagles captain was forced off during the match after being hit in the head by the ball on the hour mark.Marc Guehi was rushed to hospital after the FA Cup finalCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThere were fears he had fractured his eye socketCredit: GettyAdam Wharton was also sent to the hospital for testsCredit: InstagramGuehi, 24, was able to lift the trophy alongside club legend Joel Ward.However, he was rushed to hospital in an ambulance afterwards.The BBC have claimed here were fears that he suffered a fracture to his eye socket.It is currently believed that he has severe bruising and that he avoided anything more serious.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWhen he was taken off the pitch, it appeared to prompt a clash between City’s head of sports medicine Max Sala and the Palace bench.He went face-to-face with Eagles assistant manager Paddy McCarthy, before security was forced to intervene.However, it is not yet known whether he will be able to play in Palace’s remaining Premier League fixtures.The Eagles still have to play Wolves at Selhurst Park before finishing the season away at Liverpool.Most read in FA CupGuehi was discharged at around midnight which means he was unable to attend the club’s celebration party at BoxPark.He was not the only player who had to visit hospital as Adam Wharton also needed attention. Dean Henderson leads celebrations with X-rated song as Crystal Palace stars party long into night after FA Cup finalGuehi was able to take part in the trophy liftCredit: GettyHe was struck in the head by a powerful shot from Kevin De Bruyne and was subbed off in the 87th minute.The midfielder had to undergo concussion tests and was not present for the trophy lift.He shared a picture on social media from his hospital bed after being checked out by doctors.He captioned the snap: “Apparently we won the FA Cup. Eaglessssssssss.”The two missed their team-mates’ wild celebration with fans, which included Dean Henderson singing an X-rated chant.Will Hughes could be seen downing a pint while Jean-Philippe Mateta enjoyed a dance.Read More on The SunEberechi Eze netted the only goal in the final as Palace beat Manchester City 1-0 at Wembley.The result saw the Eagles win their first-ever major honour – and will now prepare for their debut season in European competition.Crystal Palace ratingsCRYSTAL PALACE secured their first ever trophy with a famous FA Cup final victory over Manchester City. More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Dean Henderson leads celebrations with X-rated song as Crystal Palace stars party long into night after FA Cup final

      by

      DEAN HENDERSON led Crystal Palace’s FA Cup celebrations with an X-rated song.The goalkeeper played a crucial role as the Eagles won their first-ever major honour.Dean Henderson enjoyed Crystal Palace’s FA Cup celebrationsCredit: XHe shouted an X-rated chant to the fansCredit: XEberechi Eze with his medal following the victoryCredit: GoffJoel Ward made sure to keep hold of the trophyCredit: GoffHenderson, 28, escaped a red card for handling the ball outside of the box during the match.He also pulled off a number of impressive saves, including denying Omar Marmoush from the penalty spot.The former Manchester United goalkeeper enjoyed the club’s celebrations into the evening.Henderson was filmed chanting an X-rated song during the club’s celebrations at BoxPark.READ MORE ON DEAN HENDERSONTo the tune of Shakira’s Waka Waka, he chanted: “12th again, who gives a f***. We’ve won the FA Cup.”Palace’s celebrations lasted long into the night as the official social media account asked “Who is still up?” at 12.49am.The post was joined with a video that showed Jean-Philippe Mateta dancing away to Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom by Vengaboys. The FA Cup trophy made an appearance as it was raised from the balcony at the venue for the fans below.Most read in FA CupJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMidfielder Will Hughes was also filmed by a fan enjoying himself as he downed his pint.Stars such as Eberechi Eze and Joel Ward were snapped in their suits as they celebrated.Crystal Palace stars lift FA Cup trophy as they win first major honour in club’s history with win over Man CityJean-Philippe Mateta could be seen having a danceCredit: X/ CPFCThe striker wore his sunglasses long into the nightCredit: X/ CPFCWill Hughes was having a good timeCredit: XHe was filmed downing a pint at BoxParkCredit: XEze looked suave in his suit, while the outgoing Ward could be seen with the trophy as he made a phone call.Ward, 35, is leaving the club after 13 years at the end of the season.The defender has played over 360 times for the Eagles since joining from Portsmouth in 2012.Meanwhile, after the full-time whistle, Henderson clashed with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.The stopper could be seen showing his ten fingers up to the Spaniard due to the length of added time.Guardiola did not appreciate the gesture as he made a beeline for the Palace star.Henderson also dedicated the victory to his dad, who tragically passed away in July 2024.He said on live TV: “It’s why I left (Man Utd), it’s what I set out to do.Read More on The Sun“But honestly, I lost my dad at the start of the season, and I’ll miss him here today.“But he was with me every kick of the ball today and I dedicate that win to him.”Crystal Palace ratingsCRYSTAL PALACE secured their first ever trophy with a famous FA Cup final victory over Manchester City. More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Bold Oliver Glasner reveals eleven-word football lesson he gave Pep Guardiola on pitch after FA Cup final

      by

      OLIVER GLASNER has revealed the eleven-word lesson that he gave to Pep Guardiola during the FA Cup final.The Austrian manager led Crystal Palace to their first major trophy in history with victory over Manchester City.Oliver Glasner warned Pep Guardiola before the FA Cup finalCredit: GettyThe Austrian led Crystal Palace to their first trophyCredit: AlamyEberechi Eze netted a fantastic goal to give the Eagles the lead in the first half.The South London outfit were able to nullify Man City for the remainder of the game to seal the win.Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson was called into action, and he even saved a penalty from Omar Marmoush.But as the game went on, it seemed less and less likely that the Citizens would find their way back into the tie.READ MORE CRYSTAL PALACE NEWSPalace played Guardiola’s side at the Etihad back in April and raced into a two-goal lead.However, City got the better of them as they were level by half time and finished 5-2 victors.Glasner was paying attention though, and after that game boldly warned Guardiola over playing that system again.Speaking after the FA Cup final, the manager admitted that he had issued his message to his opposite number.Most read in FA CupJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe said: “I said to Pep, ‘If we meet again, you can’t play in this system because we will solve it’.”Glasner did not lie as Palace deserved their victory on the Wembley pitch.Dean Henderson leads celebrations with X-rated song as Crystal Palace stars party long into night after FA Cup finalGuardiola had set his City team up in a 4-2-3-1 formation that day.But at Wembley his team featured just three players – Nico O’Reilly, Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol – playing in the same positions.He had chanced the attacking personnel with Kevin de Bruyne dropped from the striker role and into midfield.Erling Haaland was given the role of leading the line in the final but was well marshalled by Palace’s defence.Guardiola also swapped both wingers from James McAtee and Omar Marmoush to Jeremy Doku and Savinho.The Eagles did get fortunate as Henderson escaped a red card for denial of a goalscoring opportunity.The goalkeeper batted the ball away with his hand while outside of the box and stopped Haaland from getting through on goal.Read More on The SunAfter the game, he clashed with Guardiola over the ten minutes of added time.The stopper could be seen showing his ten fingers up to the Spaniard, which was not appreciated as he made a beeline for the Palace star.Crystal Palace ratingsCRYSTAL PALACE secured their first ever trophy with a famous FA Cup final victory over Manchester City. More