Palace player ratings: Munoz magic man in FA Cup final, Henderson shines but Mateta fails big-stage audition
CRYSTAL PALACE have made history after beating Manchester City in a pulsating FA Cup final.
Eberechi Eze was the Eagles’ hero as Oliver Glasner’s men held on for a dramatic 1-0 win.
14
14
14
It sealed Palace’s first-ever domestic major trophy in their 119-year history.
Eze lashed the underdogs ahead against the run of play in the first half, finishing beautifully from a Daniel Munoz cross.
Dean Henderson was inspired in the Palace goal, making multiple superb saves – including from Omar Marmoush’s penalty.
But there was a question on whether he should have remained on the field after appearing to handle outside the box.
In the end, Palace secured a deserved win through a superb rearguard action and some highlight performances.
Here’s how SunSport’s Dan King rated Glasner’s history makers at Wembley.
Dean Henderson – 9
14
BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK
Early saves from Erling Haaland and Josko Gvardiol.
Should not have been on pitch to save Omar Marmoush’s penalty, having somehow escaped a red card for earlier handball.
Made another good stop from Jeremy Doku.
Less busy in second half until two late saves from Echeverri.
Marc Guehi – 8
A captain’s performance as part of Palace’s three-man defence until forced off.
Absolutely crucial header under his own crossbar after a Henderson save.
Took a ball hard in the face and had to leave field.
14
Maxence Lacroix – 7
Least impressive of the centre backs but still solid enough as Palace stood firm in the first half.
Important header away from Haaland early in the second and more responsibility after Guehi went off.
Kept Haaland pretty quiet.
14
Chris Richards – 9
Calm and composed under City pressure.
Always seemed to be in the right place to tidy up when attacks broke down.
Won some important headers. and made some important interventions.
Excellent partnership with Munoz.
14
Tyrick Mitchell – 7
Played his part in withstanding the City siege.
Seemed to have undone all his and Palace’s good work with challenge on Silva that conceded the penalty.
But kept his head well and dealt well with Savinho.
14
Daniel Munoz – 9
Kept his cool defending in the box, unlike Mitchell, making important challenge on Nico O’Reilly in second half.
Brilliant cross for Eze goal and another which Sarr almost converted.
Had goal rightly ruled out for offside in build-up.
Tireless display.
14
Adam Wharton – 8
Very disciplined performance without the ball, holding his position and choosing moments well to make challenges.
Some decent passes, too, when the time was right.
Easy to see why City and others want him.
14
Daichi Kamada – 8
Plenty of energy right from the start, albeit not always with the outcome he would have wanted.
Passing improved as the game went on and made an excellent challenge on Silva early in the second half.
14
Ismaila Sarr – 6
Was not always pressing as high as Glasner wanted and not offering much of an outlet when Palace did regain the ball.
Could have made it 2-0 but didn’t quite catch his first-half shot.
Did not really improve after break.
14
Eberechi Eze – 7
Fine volleyed goal was probably his first meaningful contribution.
Was not defending as boss Glasner wanted and unable to impose himself in final third.
Fierce effort that was blocked was only moment of second half.
14
Jean-Philippe Mateta – 7
Found Munoz out wide in the build-up to opening goal but otherwise pretty ineffective, resorting to some play-acting in the first half.
Won the odd header as Palace cleared their lines in second half but a frustrating day.
14
Substitutes
Jefferson Lerma (for Guehi, 61) – Had filled in at centre back before but never in such circumstances. Did himself and the club proud with a nerveless half hour: 7
Eddie Nketiah (for Mateta, 78) – Needed to offer more than the man he had replaced and just about did, at least by buying fouls: 6
Will Hughes (for Wharton, 87) – The cult hero came on to try to see the game out: 6
