Man City 'fell into the trap' of Crystal Palace, sadly lost the FA Cup final: Empty-handed all season!

A year ago, Man City made every team in England admire with a historic treble. But the current season has become a big disappointment for coach Pep Guardiola and his team as they have declined incredibly. The blue half of Manchester soon "surrendered" in the Premier League title race, was eliminated from the Champions League and the League Cup. Worse, Man City is now facing the risk of falling out of the top 5 - meaning losing a place in the Champions League next season. Therefore, the FA Cup is now the only chance for Man City to save face and avoid a trophyless season.

However, Man City's opponent in the final, Crystal Palace, is ready to create a surprise. The London team won all 5 matches in the 2024 - 2025 FA Cup and only conceded 1 goal. In the last 2 rounds, Crystal Palace also eliminated strong opponents such as Aston Villa and Fulham.

Man City (left) fielded their strongest squad with the goal of winning the FA Cup.

PHOTO: REUTERS

Man City "falls into the trap" of Crystal Palace's counter-attack defense

Entering the final, Man City fielded almost their strongest lineup. With the duo Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva in the center of midfield, coach Pep Guardiola's team completely dominated the midfield. According to Sky Sports, in the first 10 minutes, Man City held the ball 80% of the time and had 2 dangerous shots on target. Unfortunately, Crystal Palace's defense played deep, successfully neutralizing Man City's pressure.

Absorbed in raising their attacking formation, in the 16th minute, Man City's net suddenly shook. Starting from a quick counter-attack, Crystal Palace's most dangerous player, Ebere Eze, fired a beautiful shot, opening the score of the match.

Ebere Eze (No. 10) unexpectedly put Crystal Palace ahead after a lightning counter-attack.

PHOTO: REUTERS

Having been doused with cold water, Man City increased their attacking pressure to find an equalizer. However, against Crystal Palace's well-organized defense, Man City's crosses from both wings were completely nullified. The best chance Man City could create in this half came in the 34th minute when Bernardo Silva broke through, winning a penalty. However, from 11 meters away, Omar Marmoush could not beat goalkeeper Dean Henderson.

Dean Henderson saves Omar Marmoush's penalty brilliantly

PHOTO: REUTERS

In the beginning of the second half, Crystal Palace suddenly rose up, carrying out many dangerous attacks. In the 60th minute, Man City's net shook for the second time after a shot by Daniel Munoz. Fortunately for Man City, VAR intervened, determining that a Crystal Palace player was offside and the goal was disallowed.

Luckily escaping defeat, Man City made many adjustments in attack. Players like Foden and Claudio Echeverri were also sent onto the field by coach Pep Guardiola. However, just like in the first half, Man City had a lot of difficulty approaching Crystal Palace's penalty area. In the 83rd minute, Man City had a golden opportunity to score an equalizer when Claudio Echeverri received the ball in a completely open position. Unfortunately, the Argentine midfielder's two consecutive shots from close range went straight to goalkeeper Dean Henderson.

In the extra time, Man City created suffocating pressure on Crystal Palace's goal. According to statistics from Sofascore , the blue half of Manchester had 14 shots in the second half but all could not penetrate the Crystal Palace net.

Man City (blue shirt) officially empty-handed in the 2024 - 2025 season

PHOTO: REUTERS

Defeating Man City 1-0, Crystal Palace became the champion of the FA Cup 2024 - 2025. Notably, this is the first official title of Crystal Palace after 119 years of waiting. Meanwhile, Man City suffered their second consecutive defeat in the FA Cup final (after losing to MU in the 2023 - 2024 season). Coach Pep Guardiola's team also officially went empty-handed in the 2024 - 2025 season.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/man-city-dinh-bay-crystal-palace-ngam-ngui-thua-chung-ket-cup-fa-trang-tay-ca-mua-185250517222700251.htm