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      in Motorsport

      Meet the Brit drivers of Formula E from Schumacher apprentice and AFC Wimbledon player to die-hard Aston Villa fan

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      OLIVER ROWLAND is the Barnsley-born racing driver lighting up Formula E with a win Tokyo to extend his championship lead. Meanwhile fellow Brit Dan Ticktum bagged his first ever podium with a third-place finish in the Japanese capital. Oliver Rowland is 77 points clear in the drivers’ standingsDan Ticktum has found his home in Formula E after spending time in Williams’ and Red Bull’s academiesFormula E is a motor sport championship for electric cars, and is the only-sport certified net zero event. The championship features 16 races across 10 world cities, and became the first global sport to be certified with a net zero carbon footprint back in 2020.There are six British drivers in total in the series from one nearly making it with AFC Wimbledon, to a die-hard Aston Villa fan – SunSport gives you the low down. OLIVER ROWLAND Rowland is not wrong when says he likes to “do his talking on the track” with the 32-year-old storming towards the title this season. He is leading the championship on a whopping 161 points, 77 points above second-place Antonio Felix Da Costa. Away from the track, the Nissan driver is quiet and reserved, favouring toasting his numerous wins with a “few beers” with his close circle. He is a devoted dad to his daughter Harper who is often seen in the Nissan garage or on his lap when conducting interviews. In April 2017 Rowland was signed to the role of development driver to the Renault F1 Team.Most read in MotorsportA year later Rowland was confirmed as Williams Martini Racing’s official Junior Driver.DAN TICKTUM The 25-year-old Cupra Kiro driver from London could not be any more different than Rowland. Ticktum wears his heart on his sleeve and isn’t afraid to speak his mind on the team radio or in post-race interviews. He has earned a bit of a reputation as the bad boy of motor sport over the years and went viral for a swear-laden rant in Jeddah last season – but it seems in Formula E he has found his home. Ticktum rubbed shoulders with Lando Norris during his karting days and spent time at both Williams’ and Red Bull’s academies. His future is looking bright in Formula E after bagging his first-ever podium in Tokyo. Ticktum was banned for a year from motor sport for ignoring a safety car to purposefully crash into a karting rival.Sam Bird once turned down a shot with AFC Wimbledon to pursue a career in motor sportSAM BIRD Twickenham-born Bird, 38, is an experienced McLaren driver who was once seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher’s apprentice. Sam joined up with Mercedes for four years in 2010 as a test driver, going to most of the races and doing a lot of sim work. As Mercedes returned to F1 in 2010 it coincided with Schumacher making a comeback of his own. Schumacher was Bird’s childhood hero and the pair once even went sky-diving together. Bird isn’t half bad at football and played for AFC Wimbledon as a youngster before turning them down for a career in motor sport. He has two dogs, Buddy and Bear, one is a cavapoo and the other a golden doodle and is in a relationship with former Love Island star Jess Impiazzi. JAKE HUGHES Brummie driver Hughes is a classic example of the saying you can take the boy out of Birmingham but not Birmingham out of the boy. The Maserati driver is a die-hard Aston Villa fan who chooses to bring porridge to the track for his brekky each morning. He loves cats and own two called Benny and Ollie, nicknamed Boo Boo and Bear, with his fiance Abby at their home. Hughes won the inaugural BRDC Formula 4 Championship and has won multiple races at Formula 3.TAYLOR BARNARD The baby-faced 20-year-old was born and raised in Norwich and is forging a name for himself with McLaren’s Formula E team.  At 19 years and 331 days, Barnard became the youngest competitive driver in the series’ 10-year history. In his junior career, Barnard finished second to Mercedes’ Andrea Kimi Antonelli in both the 2022 ADAC German Formula 4 Championship and 2023 Formula Regional Middle East Championship.Jake Dennis is the most recent British FE championJAKE DENNIS 29-year-old Dennis competes for Andretti and is the most recent British FE champion, winning the 2022-23 title. He was born in Nuneaton and debuted in karting at eight, winning the junior British Championship in 2010. Read More on The SunIn 2016, Dennis debuted in GP3, winning two races, achieving fourth place in the final standings with Charles Leclerc claiming the title. Dennis, who lives in Monaco, adores his pet chihuahua Billy with the pooch often seen accompanying him on a private jet to races. More

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      in Soccer

      Will Still ‘in advanced talks with Premier League club’ immediately after resigning as Lens manager

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      WILL STILL has reportedly landed a job offer from a Premier League club after leaving RC Lens.The manager announced he would be leaving the Ligue 1 side following their final game of the season.Will Still is in advanced talks with a Premier League clubCredit: Shutterstock EditorialHe left RC Lens to spend more time with partner Emma SaundersCredit: Instagram / @wrstillStill, 32, admitted that he would be returning to England in order to spend more time with his partner Emma Saunders.The Sky Sports presenter has been battling health issues over the last year.Still will now be able to be close by after leaving the French club.Reports have now claimed that he will not be out of work for long.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Independent have claimed that Southampton have already approached the manager.The Premier League side, for now, are said to be “advanced talks” with Still over the job.The Saints are a top-flight club for two more games which come against Everton and Southampton.However, after a shocking season the south coast club will be dropping back into the Championship.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSSouthampton’s relegation was confirmed back on April 6 following their 3-1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur.The club has been through two managers as both Russell Martin and Ivan Juric were hit with the axe.Top ten Premier League managers’ WagsRussell Martin was sacked back in DecemberCredit: GettyThe club was relegated under Ivan JuricCredit: GettyStill is a free agent, having announced his exit from RC Lens just one season into a three-year deal.His partner Emma has battled both thyroid cancer and a brain infection called encephalitis over the last year.This has led to Still to make the decision to come back to England and spend more time with her.L’Equipe has reported that coaching in England has been a “long dream” for Still.It has been suggested that he turned down Rangers in Scotland but has interest from Hull City.He has previously admitted that West Ham would be a dream job as a childhood fan of the club.Still’s parting message to RC LensHere is what Will Still told RC Lens fans about his decision to leave…He said: “I won’t be the coach of RC Lens next season.”It was the last season at Bollaert, for multiple reasons.”The main reason that pushed me to make this decision is the fact that I need to go home.”Everyone is well aware of what happened in my life. That’s why.”I had a lot of fun, I think we achieved great things despite everything. I’ve been in France for four years, four years that I’ve experienced intense moments.”The logical choice is that I get closer to my wife for her well-being too.” More

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      in Soccer

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

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      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

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      in Soccer

      Chelsea’s Aggie Beever-Jones hopes to make Women’s FA Cup final ‘dream come true’ in clash with Manchester United

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      HOMEGROWN Chelsea star Aggie Beever-Jones admits it has sometimes been hard to break away from the academy kid tag.However the striker, 21, has emerged as a key player for the eight-time WSL champions. Aggie Beever-Jones says the chance of playing in an FA Cup final at Wembley for Chelsea would be a dream trueCredit: GettyThe Blues striker hopes to help her side, who have featured in eight finals previously, win the trophy for the sixth timeCredit: GettyBeever-Jones took part in a football coaching session for girls hosted by McDonalds six days before Chelsea’s FA Cup final clash with Manchester UnitedCredit: PALast May Beever-Jones’ old boss Emma Hayes described the player as the future of Chelsea. She has certainly come a long way since Hayes handed her a senior debut during a 4-0 defeat of Aston Villa in January 2021. And, ahead of today’s FA Cup final showdown with Manchester United, she spoke of wanting to be a role model for young stars coming through the ranks.The Blues star said: “I’m proud to have come from the academy.Read More Football Stories“Being that academy kid, I feel like I have that label and sometimes it’s hard to break away from. “I hope that the academy kids know that they can come to me and have an arm around them.It’s something I’m really proud of – being able to play for the club that I’ve watched, grown up playing for and that my family love.”Beever-Jones’s nine top-flight goals contributed to 22 matches played without defeat during their invincible WSL run this season. Most read in FootballWith that milestone complete Beever-Jones has set her sights on another target. That’s starring in an FA Cup final at Wembley for the first time in her career with Chelsea aiming to overcome holders Man United. Sonia Bompastor’s side also lifted the League Cup, meaning victory at Wembley would complete a domestic treble, something that they have not achieved for four years.Beever-Jones added: “Being able to play at Wembley in an FA Cup final would be an absolute dream. “I have never played there for Chelsea. It’s going to be a tough match against Man United.“Being holders, they’ve got a point to prove. They want to retain that and equally we want to bring it back home for us.”With all tickets for today’s clash sold out, a record crowd is expected at the 90,000-capacity stadium for Chelsea’s clash with Marc Skinner’s side. The last cup final clash between both teams at Wembley, in May 2023 attracted a then record crowd of  77,390, the Blues sealing a 1-0 win.United, who trounced Tottenham 4-0 in last year’s decider, are competing in the final for a third year in a row. Among those who hope to see Surrey-born Beever-Jones feature are her family who have supported her rise to the top of the game. A journey that began with her playing grassroots football in a boys’ team in a Sunday Little League in Merton, South London.  The Surrey-born striker adds: “I spent a lot of my childhood just playing in a grass field with my boy best friends. “Then I was lucky enough to get scouted and go into the Chelsea pathway. “My family is such a big part of it including my mum and my sister who is a midwife at the hospital that we were both born at.“I feel really lucky to have had the opportunities I had when I was growing up and get given the opportunity to play football.”Helping girls access opportunities to play football is something Beever-Jones is passionate about. Six days ago she visited the home of seventh tier men’s side Hanwell FC to help coach 100 girls taking part in a McDonalds Fun Football session. She said: “It was so nice to be able to go there  and see the young girls playing football with other girls. “Hopefully it shows the way the game’s going and where it can go.”Beyond a dream end to this term and her hope to help Chelsea add an FA Cup to their League Cup and WSL title triumph, Beever-Jones has hopes of making into England’s squad for this year’s Euros. Last month the striker scored her first senior goal in an England shirt when she came off the bench to turn the ball home in the second half of a 5-0 Nations League defeat of Belgium. But while she has hopes of earning in Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses squad for the Euros in Switzerland, her focus at present is on helping Chelsea win a domestic treble. Beever-Jones added:  “It would be an absolute dream. For me, it’s the aim and I’m just focusing on making Sarina happy and delivering what she wants from me. But we’ve still got one game left to go in the season.  I think we’ve still got one game left to go in the season.While Beever-Jones is has hopes of being named in England’s squad for the Women’s Euros, her focus is on helping Chelsea seal a domestic trophy treble winCredit: Getty”I want to end on a high and hopefully keeping Sonia happy as well. Read More on The Sun“I always say I believe everything will fall into place if you work for it. “I’ve just got to keep training and doing what I can and hopefully, who sees what happens.” More

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      in Soccer

      Melvine Malard targets FA Cup glory as Manchester United aim to dent Chelsea’s unbeaten domestic run

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      MELVINE MALARD will be forever grateful to Sonia Bompastor for taking a chance on her.But the Manchester United ace still wants to thwart her former Lyon mentor’s FA Cup dream. Having helped Man United secure a place in next season’s Champions League Melvine Malard is targeting FA Cup glory with the clubCredit: GettyThe France forward enjoyed silverware success with Sonia Bompastor she managed by her at LyonCredit: GettyMalard and her United team-mates hope to win the FA Cup for a second time in a row but have never beaten Chelsea in a Cup final beforeCredit: GettyMalard, 24, worked under Chelsea boss Bompastor for much of her nine seasons at Lyon.The forward came through the ranks under Bompastor’s guidance at the French club before they went on to win two top-flight titles in France and the Champions League together in 2022.But there will be no time for nostalgia in today’s final at Wembley when holders United face WSL champions Chelsea, who are chasing a domestic treble.Malard said: “It’s because of Sonia that I played football in France. Now I’m in England, it’s partly because Sonia took me on and gave me a chance.Read More Football Stories”She was a big boss for Lyon when I was there playing for them. “I’m so excited to play at Wembley against her. “Here in England, the game is so intense and the players are very strong.”Chelsea are the top team in the league with one of my best coaches. “They have got a very good team because they have a very good coach.”Bompastor’s Chelsea’s Invincibles went through the entire 22-game WSL season unbeaten dropping just six points and winning the League Cup too. Most read in FootballThat means the Red Devils are tasked with trying to become the first team to beat them on the domestic stage this term.The Blues’ current run stands at an astonishing 32 matches without defeat, stretching back to 2023-24.Yet Malard is hoping to create her own piece of history as United, who finished third in the league, chase back-to-back FA Cup wins for the first time after thumping Tottenham 4-0 a year ago.She said: “This is the page and history that we need to write. “This is three times in a row we’ve got to the FA Cup final. “Who are the teams doing that right now? “It’s us. But we need to put that in the history and enjoy our football. “This is a year where we’ve also qualified for the Champions League for next season. Now we need to just enjoy this final.””Malard has become a popular member of United’s dressing room since arriving from Lyon last July.And United boss Marc Skinner reckons the France forward’s vibrancy has been key this season.That was on full display when her equaliser in the 2-2 Manchester derby draw at Old Trafford secured United’s place in the Champions League next season.Skinner said: “We all need to embrace our inner Melvine. “She takes on the challenge of what’s ahead of her with this smile and this energy. Man United lifted the Women’s FA Cup for the first time last year when they defeated TottenhamCredit: PA”Melvine has shown a lot more of that this year. Read More on The Sun“Last season she was trying to find out who she was in our team.”But that energy for someone still so young has been a massive driving factor this year.” More

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      in Soccer

      Will Still, 32, RESIGNS as Lens manager and returns to England as Sky Sports presenter partner battles illness

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      WILL STILL has resigned as RC Lens manager – and is reportedly in advanced talks with a Premier League club.The manager left after just one season to move back to England and be closer to partner Emma Saunders following her battle with cancer.Will Still has resigned as RC Lens managerCredit: AFPHe wants to spend more time with his partner Emma SaundersCredit: Instagram / @wrstillThey went public with their relationship last yearCredit: Instagram / @wrstillEmma has been battling illness since 2024Credit: https://www.instagram.com/emmasaunds/?hl=enSouthampton are said to have approached Still over becoming their new boss as they prepare for next season in the Championship.Still, 32, went public with his relationship with the Sky Sports presenter during Euro 2024.He announced his decision to leave Lens after their final game of the season which was attended by Saunders.He said: “I won’t be the coach of RC Lens next season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It was the last season at Bollaert, for multiple reasons.”The main reason that pushed me to make this decision is the fact that I need to go home.”Everyone is well aware of what happened in my life. That’s why.”I had a lot of fun, I think we achieved great things despite everything. I’ve been in France for four years, four years that I’ve experienced intense moments.Most read in Football”The logical choice is that I get closer to my wife for her well-being too.”Lens finished their time with Still as manager with a 4-0 win over AS Monaco.Emma shared this snap on her Instagram pageCredit: InstagramShe is a Sky Sports presenterCredit: Instagram / @emmasaundsFans have showed their support for the couple in the pastCredit: https://www.instagram.com/stories/emmasaunds/3589641464853836405/She has been treated for thyroid cancerCredit: Instagram / @emmasaundsNeil El Aynaoui netted twice while Adrien Thomasson and Anass Zaroury wrapped up the scoring.The victory sealed an 8th-placed finish in the Ligue 1 table.Still will now be able to close to Saunders as she battles health issues.She had revealed that at the start of the season she had been treated for thyroid cancer.She is now recovering from a brain infection called encephalitis which is a condition in which it becomes inflamed.Emma attended Still’s final game at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis and shared a snap with him on the pitch.The fans have previously shown their support towards Emma and Still as they held a banner that read “Courage Emma et Will.”In her career, she has also worked for the likes of BBC Sport, fronting women’s football on the channel alongside her work at Sky.The two cosied up as they posed for the picture and she captioned the post: “Bravo”.Still made a name for himself as the youngest manager in Europe’s top five leagues.He was just 30 when he took over at Reims – even before getting his Uefa Pro Licence, costing the club £22,000 per match.Read More on The SunStill guided the club to ninth in Ligue 1 last season before announcing his exit to take over at RC Lens.He has already picked up some work in England as he was a special guest on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football in April. More

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      in Soccer

      Phil Foden splashes HUGE sum to buy daughter, True, 3, a Rolex – and it’s identical to one worn by A-lister’s daughter

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      AT the age of three, Phil Foden’s daughter might struggle to tell the time — but Daddy has already treated her to a £10,000 Rolex.Little True was seen wearing the pricey watch in pictures posted on her Instagram page last week.Phil Foden has bought his daughter a £10,000 RolexFoden pictured with Rebecca Cooke and their childrenCredit: Instagram/officialronniefodenMan City and England ace Foden loves spending his £200,000-a-week wages on his kidsCredit: GettyEngland and Man City ace Phil, 24, and girlfriend Rebecca Cooke run the site, which has 22,400 followers. True is also seen kitted out in a £160 Monnalisa designer dress, a £40 bag from Hookd and a Pandora charm bracelet.Her Rolex is identical to one worn by Kylie Jenner’s daughter Stormi, six.Phil’s own watch collection includes a Rolex Sky Dweller and a Day Date.Read More on FODENThe midfielder, who came on as a sub in yesterday’s FA Cup final defeat to Crystal Palace, loves spending his £200,000-a-week wages on his kids — Ronnie, five, True, and baby boy Phil Junior.True was given a pony, Angus, at Christmas and is having riding lessons.A source said: “True loves anything girly, sparkly — she loves fancy things. She is the little girl that wants for nothing.” Phil recently moved the family to a mansion with a lake in the Cheshire countryside. Most read in FootballHe was brought up on a council estate in nearby Edgeley, Stockport.His mum, Claire, has revealed how much her son had changed recently.She said: “The shocking thing is I hear him ordering salmon a lot now and he never used to eat that.”’I don’t expect anything’ Roy Keane savages England star after below-par display in Thomas Tuchel’s first gameThe Rolex is identical to one worn by Kylie Jenner’s daughter Stormi, six More

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      in Soccer

      ‘Best fans in the world’ – Heartwarming meaning of Crystal Palace tifo that inspired heroes to FA Cup triumph revealed

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      CRYSTAL PALACE were inspired to FA Cup glory by an incredible tifo with a heartwarming meaning.The Eagles made history on Saturday as they lifted their first-ever trophy with a 1-0 win over Manchester City.Crystal Palace were inspired to FA Cup glory by a heartwarming tifoThe Eagles beat Man City 1-0 to lift their first ever trophyCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThe tifo was inspired by fan Mark Wealleans, who died from cancer in 2017In the tifo, Wealleans was celebrating Darren Ambrose’s strike against Man Utd in 2011Credit: AP:Associated PressEberechi Eze’s 16th minute strike was enough to seal glory at Wembley.While Dean Henderson avoided a red card for handball before saving a penalty moments later.The game even ended with a clash between Henderson and City boss Pep Guardiola, who was left fuming at full-time.But there was a major inspiration behind the Eagles’ brilliant victory in north west London.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBefore kick-off, a stunning tifo was unveiled by Palace fans bearing the message: “Wembley will shake… and it will be beautiful.”Alongside was an image of a Palace fan celebrating with two children.And during the match, the club explained the heartwarming reason behind the fans’ display.Posting a tweet, which also showed the original picture it was based on, Palace explained all with a caption declaring: “Best fans in the world.”Most read in FA CupBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe Eagles wrote: “After Darren Ambrose’s 40 yard screamer against Manchester United in 2011, the cameras panned to the away end and, amidst 3,000 supporters jumping for joy, found an adrenalised red-and-blue clad supporter, Mark Wealleans, screaming with passion while holding up two young Palace lads who — then nine and six-years-old — responded by bursting into tears.“Tragically, Mark Wealleans, a proud south London and Season Ticket holder, lost his life in February 2017, aged just 49, five months after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.Furious Pep Guardiola and Dean Henderson clash on pitch after Crystal Palace’s FA Cup triumphREAD MORE ON PALACE’S INCREDIBLE FA CUP TRIUMPHEbere Eze scored the only goal of the game after 16 minutesDean Henderson then avoided a red card for handballThe ace was clearly outside his box when he stopped Erling Haaland from going throughHenderson then saved Omar Marmoush’s penalty 10 minutes later“His two kids are in the crowd today continuing the Palace supporting tradition.”Fans responded with delight to the emotional tribute.One said: “Another reason why every other football fan is delighted for Palace.”Another declared: “Wow what an honour and gesture, thank you.”One noted: “Love that, amazing, congrats Palace.”Another added: “Nah this is class, RIP.”Crystal Palace ratingsCRYSTAL PALACE secured their first ever trophy with a famous FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.Pep Guardiola clashed with Henderson at full timeThe City boss was left fuming at the resultGuardiola still gave it large as Henderson hugged Oliver GlasnerPep waved a finger at Henderson as he walked offThe tifo certainly seemed to do the trick for Palace.Oliver Glasner’s men put in a monstrous defensive effort to keep City at bay, with goalkeeper Henderson putting in several big saves.But the stopper was lucky to be on the pitch after handling the ball outside his own half.He was only saved from a red card thanks to a controversial VAR check after swatting the ball away from a goal-bound Erling Haaland.And the decision proved to be pivotal as Henderson went on to save a penalty from Omar Marmoush just 10 minutes later.Read More on The SunPep Guardiola was left raging at full-time as he clashed with Henderson, who dedicated Palace’s incredible win to his late father.And it was the goalie who had the last laugh as he joined teammates for a trophy lift they and Palace’s fans will never forget.Man City ratingsMANCHESTER CITY were stunned by Crystal Palace at Wembley, condemning Pep Guardiola to a first trophyless season in eight years. More