Crystal Palace,from ridiculous to sublime, firmed their position in English football glorious history with a narrow margin 1-0 ecstatic win against Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley, securing their maiden major trophy in the club’s 119-year history.
Oliver Glasner, the 50-year-old Austrian manager who had been under mounting pressure earlier in the season, masterminded the Eagles’ unlikely triumph with a performance full of discipline, heart, and tactical precision. As Palace fans sang “Glad All Over” through tears of joy, it marked a culmination of a dramatic turnaround that began in turmoil but ended in glory.
Palace endured their worst start to a season since 1992–93, failing to secure a win in their opening eight Premier League games. Glasner, who joined the club in the summer, faced intense scrutiny after picking up just three points during that run. Yet, amid growing doubts, the club’s hierarchy, led by chairman Steve Parish, stood firm.
“That’s what Oliver Glasner’s completed — he prepared us all believe,” Parish told BBC One. “You could see it at the end. I am so proud.
” The turning point came with a 2-1 win over Tottenham at Selhurst Park on October 27, their ninth league game. From that point forward, Palace gradually rebuilt confidence, form, and identity under Glasner’s calm yet meticulous leadership.
Glasner’s reserved reaction to the final whistle — a handshake with the beaten Pep Guardiola before celebrating with his players — was a reflection of his composed approach throughout the campaign. Compared to Jürgen Klopp during his Europa League triumph with Eintracht Frankfurt in 2022, Glasner’s intensity is balanced with emotional intelligence. “It’s time for hugging my players, not kicking them,” he famously said during the team’s early struggles.
The win is all the more remarkable considering the upheaval Glasner faced last summer. Deft winger Olise left for Bayern Munich in a £50 million offer, while veteran Joachim Andersen reached Fulham for £30 million. Eddie Nketiah reached from Arsenal but lacked physical fitness. Key players including Eberechi Eze, Marc Guehi, Adam Wharton, and Dean Henderson were absent for much of pre-season due to international duty, while Jean-Philippe Mateta and others returned late after representing their countries in summer tournaments.
Glasner also had to quickly integrate four deadline-day signings: Nketiah, defender Maxence Lacroix, goalkeeper Matt Turner, and Chelsea loanee Trevoh Chalobah. Despite these challenges, he never lost faith in his squad’s potential.
The final itself was a tactical masterclass. Palace stifled City’s creativity and struck through a second-half goal from Mateta, who has been revitalized under Glasner’s tenure.
As Palace clinches the FA Cup underneath the Wembley arch, it was more than just a champion. It was vindication — of a manager’s belief, a board’s patience, and a squad’s perseverance. Once deep in crisis, Crystal Palace, are now basking in the greatest moment in their history.
