Crystal Palace

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Before Saturday's FA Cup Final against Manchester City, we are looking back at some classic Crystal Palace victories over their opponents.

Crystal Palace 2-1 Manchester City (6 April 2015)

In just their second season back in the Premier League, Palace hosted a City side who needed a win to stand any chance of retaining the title. Glenn Murray put the home side ahead with a tap-in from close range shortly after the half hour mark. Jason Puncheon then doubled that lead with a brilliant free-kick after the break. Yaya Toure grabbed a consolation for the visitors but Palace were able to hold on. Alan Pardew's side ended the season in tenth, their highest ever Premier League finish.

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Manchester City 2-3 Crystal Palace (22 December 2018)

Pep Guardiola's side were chasing back-to-back league titles, and although Ilkay Gundogan opened the scoring, the game would turn on its head in two frantic first half minutes. First, Jeffrey Schlupp levelled the match for the Eagles with a shot from outside the area. Then came a moment of magic from Andros Townsend, as the winger lashed in a left-footed volley from 30 yards - the goal going on to win the Premier League's goal of the season. Luka Milivojevic extended Palace's lead from the penalty spot just after the break, and despite a late goal from Kevin De Bruyne, Palace held on for their first away win against City in 28 years.

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Manchester City 0-2 Crystal Palace (30 October 2021)

Patrick Viera's side headed to the Etihad firmly as underdogs and were on a run of four successive draws. But, Wilfred Zaha was quick to take advantage of some poor defending to put the Eagles in-front with just six minutes on the clock. The Ivorian pouncing on a mistake from Aymeric Laporte before exchanging es with Conor Gallagher and guiding the ball in to the bottom left hand corner. The goal saw Zaha become the first player to score 50 top-flight goals for Palace. Laporte's afternoon would then get even worse when he was was red-carded by referee Andre Marriner in first-half stoppage time. And after playing the entire second half against ten men, Gallagher's neat finish two minutes from time wrapped up the three points for Palace.

Alex Pewter
Fan writer

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Over the past 25 seasons, it's unlikely that you would place Manchester City as one of Crystal Palace's most regular opponents. When the teams walk out at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, it will be the 32nd meeting between the clubs since the 2000-01 season.

That run of fixtures began with a home victory at Selhurst Park, Trevor Francis and Kevin Keegan in the respective dugouts, and two clubs in a vastly different place than they are today.

The reality for Palace is that there have only been three more victories in all those years since, and a 48-goal difference in favour of the Manchester club.

It may therefore seem illogical that so many fans have cautious optimism headed into the final.

So, how does Oliver Glasner and his team beat the mighty Manchester City? Pace, set pieces and determination.

This is the most athletic squad the club has had in memory. Whether it's the stamina of either wingback or the straight-line speed of Ismaila Sarr, it's an underlying factor in making Glasner's 3-4-2-1 formation click. Out of possession, the team will work relentlessly to maintain their press but have the energy reserves to throw bodies forward.

The team's ability to break at pace undid Aston Villa in the semi-final. More recently, we saw Nottingham Forest's approach to foul Sarr as he countered, as they did on five occasions.

As a set-piece team, the club has quietly climbed the ranks in the Premier League and has been one of the most prolific scorers. Glasner credits this to the size of his team, but that likely underplays the work done on the training ground.

In the club's last meeting, both strengths were displayed as Palace led 2-0 at the Etihad, and almost 3-0 if not for a narrow VAR offside decision. The missing factor, determination, as the game went on to end 5-2 in an uncharacteristic collapse.

Marc Guehi, captain and key defender, was absent on that day. Palace know they can cause City problems; they hope their on-pitch leader gets them to their resilient best.

Find more from Alex Pewter at FYP podcast, external

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When you are a neutral, we all like an upset in the FA Cup final, but it is a big task for Crystal Palace to beat Manchester City on Saturday.

Since some heavy defeats against City and Newcastle, Palace seems to have turned a corner. They beat Aston Villa in the semi-final in a fantastic day at Wembley for them. They have showed a little bit of consistency and momentum from that.

But this is Palace's first FA Cup final in nine years and only their third overall. Whereas for Manchester City, a trip to Wembley is a regular thing at the end of the season. That know-how and experience can play a big part on these big days - that energy, that excitement of players, at times it can drain a lot out of you. When you are playing against a team that is used to these environments, it can be quite difficult.

Palace will certainly have changed their style and tactics since those two defeats where they conceded 10 goals. They will be defensively more resilient, they will be harder to beat, but I think it will still be a difficult task. However, it is an FA Cup final and you never know what is going to happen. Who expected Manchester United to beat City last year? Not many of us.

Oliver Glasner's side come into this with some momentum and good confidence, while you can look at Manchester City against Southampton, arguably City did dominate and just could not get the ball in the back of the net, so could that be something Crystal Palace look at?

With Ebere Eze and Jean-Phillippe Mateta on transitions, they are players that can make a real difference. Tactically it will be a really interesting one, but we know Manchester City are cup final kings.

Fara Williams was speaking to BBC Sport's Nicola Pearson

Newcastle United have moved ahead of Chelsea in the race to sign 24-year-old defender Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer news? Read Thursday's full gossip column

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For the players and fans, Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi getting this injury in a situation where the offside flag should have been raised is so frustrating.

The frustration is when it is clear and obvious. Officials have been overseeing games for many years and they would always flag whether they were right or wrong.

Now technology has come into it, they are very reliant on VAR to make the right decision, the factual decision, about an offside. But, I think when an offside is so clear and obvious, it should be the duty of the assistant referee to put their flag up and stop play from the off.

When it is marginal, I understand we are a bit more hesitant when there are really fine margins, and we have seen those fine margins when goals have been given and it is a toenail to keep them on-side. I would understand it from that point of view, but it was on the halfway-line where the offside happened on Sunday, only for play to be allowed to continue.

It has been a matter of time. It has been a time bomb waiting to go off for somebody to get seriously injured. Awoniyi is the one that has got that injury - that horrific injury - because of it. Some will say it is only the first time it has happened in the duration of this rule, but it should never happen. That is how players will be looking at it, how fans and managers will be looking at it and saying 'it should never happen'. We should not wait for something to happen to reassess rules like this.

I don't like the ruling of it - it is on the halfway-line, it is clear and obviously offside, everybody in the stadium could probably see it. It should be for the assistant referee to make the decision. There are small margins in the box, I understand why they are a bit hesitant, but in open play, if somebody is sprinting, you could cause hamstring, quad, and all types of muscle injuries.

I am totally against this rule of waiting to put up the flag and I think most players and managers are as well. It's disappointing. I think it's a rule that nobody likes, and I'm sure in the summer off the back of this injury, one that will probably be reassessed.

Fara Williams was speaking to BBC Sport's Nicola Pearson

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On Saturday, Crystal Palace return to Wembley as they face Manchester City in the FA Cup final.

It will be the clubs third FA Cup final in their history, however, they will be hoping this time will be more successful than on previous occasions.

Currently, they are one of just four clubs to have reached two FA Cup finals and never lift the trophy.

Before their third attempt, BBC Sport takes a look at five of Crystal Palace's most famous trips to Wembley.

FA Cup semi-final: Crystal Palace 3-0 Aston Villa (26 April 2025)

Just how important of a win could this turn out to be for Crystal Palace? Eberechi Eze's sensational strike after 31 minutes settled a nervy semi-final tie, gifting The Eagles a lead at the break. Jean-Phillipe Mateta failed from the spot, but they kept pushing and Ismaila Sarr doubled their lead just before the hour mark. Sarr then added a third in stoppage time to confirm the club's first FA Cup final since 2016.

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FA Cup final: Crystal Palace 1-2 Manchester United (aet, 21 May 2016)

The Eagles' last FA Cup final came in 2016, and it very nearly ended with silverware. Alan Pardew's side took the lead with just 12 minutes to go after substitute Jason Puncheon's powerful far-post finish put Palace ahead. Within four minutes, that lead had gone with Juan Mata slotting in from close-range, bringing the game to extra time. It wasn't to be for Palace, as despite their opposition falling to 10 men Jesse Lingard's 110th minute strike meant it was Louis Van Gaal's side ending the season with a trophy.

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Championship play-off final: Crystal Palace 1-0 Watford (aet, 27 May 2013)

Palace's first game after the re-build of Wembley came in 2013 when they faced Watford, the prize being a spot in the Premier League. After a goalless 90 minutes, it was an extra time penalty from veteran Kevin Phillips that separated the two sides. Their previous four promotions to the Premier League had resulted in relegation the following season. However, since this final Palace have never dropped out of the top flight - and are now potentially on the verge of a first major trophy. Not bad!

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FA Cup final: Crystal Palace 3-3 Manchester United (aet, 12 May 1990)

Some 35 years ago, Palace featured in their first ever FA Cup final, and what a game it was. The big talking point before the game was whether or not Ian Wright - who had suffered a broken leg two months prior - would be fit enough to feature. He started amongst the substitutes, but after coming on at 2-1 down he made an instant impact, bringing the game back level with his first touches. In extra time Wright added his second and Palace's third, leaving them on the verge of a first ever major trophy. However, with seven minutes left to play Manchester United brought the game back level, and into a replay it went.

FA Cup final replay: Crystal Palace 0-1 Manchester United (17 May 1990)

Five days after their first match, Palace met Manchester United one again. Following a thrilling first match, it was a much cagier affair. The only goal came in the second half from United's Lee Martin, ending Crystal Palace's cup run. However, many fans will still enjoy fond memories of the two games.

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We asked what you made of captain Joel Ward's 13 years at the club following an announcement that he will the leave Crystal Palace at the end of the season.

Here are some of your comments:

Paul: An absolute legend for us, arguably the best value g we've ever made at £400k. Always gave 100% on the pitch and a total gentleman off of it. Thank you for everything Joel and all the best for the future. You're always welcome back at Selhurst!

Andy: Joel has been a great personality in a variety of different squads. Always 100% committed for the team and the club. Would be good if he gets a coaching role at the club as his beliefs and honesty is what a lot could learn from.

Joe: I saw his first game at Exeter. He looked comfortable on and off the ball. Over the years he has been 'Mr Reliable' and a solid team man and leader. It has been evident for the last few years that he had lost pace to play at the highest level. It's clearly the time to hang up his boots but I sincerely hope he's given a role at the club. What a mentor to young professionals. Thank you Joel!

Zach: Tough to put into words how much he means to the fans. A certified legend, massive part of our promotion in 2013, and played a huge role in keeping us in the Premier League all this time. We'll never forget that goal line clearance against Watford in the play-off final. Love you Wardy.

Jake: I met Joel Ward a few years ago after a pre-season friendly in Switzerland. Not just a great servant to the club but a truly lovely guy. He will be missed at Palace.

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BBC Sport football news reporter Alex Howell has been answering your questions on the transfer window.

Anon: I wanted to ask about the Oliver Glasner situation. Is he staying at Palace? Any news regarding his possible extension?

Alex: When we reported that the contract talks between Palace and Glasner were at an early stage, they really were.

And Glasner has played down talks about his future in every press conference he has been asked about it.

As you can imagine, those at Palace want to keep Glasner for what he has done in the last year and that will only increase if Palace get into Europe by winning the FA Cup.

He still has a year left, but there has been interest in him before.

The main takeaway is that the manager has a lot of bargaining power in these talks and that will only increase if Palace win the FA Cup final.

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Joel Ward will leave Crystal Palace after 13 years at the club.

The 35 year-old has played 363 matches for the Eagles since ing in 2012, placing him eighth on the club's all-time appearance list.

"It has been an incredible journey with so many fond memories, so many incredible moments – moments that will live on in my mind for the rest of my life," the club captain said in a statement.

"This isn't 'goodbye' – it's merely a 'see you later.'"

What have you made of Ward's 13 years at Selhurst Park, Palace fans?

Tell us here

Chairman Steve Parish said: "From the very day he ed Crystal Palace, Joel has been an incredible ambassador for this Football Club: open, friendly and professional, but also competitive, driven and uncompromising in the standards he sets.

"Simply put, over the course of 13 years' service, Joel has been an example for all Palace players who have gone before him: in his values, in his presence, and in his dedication to representing this club with pride."

Alex Pewter
Fan writer

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Sunday's game was a battle between two finalists in two competitions, using very different preparation techniques. Oliver Glasner made it clear that he favoured momentum over resting and rotation, and his starters delivered a comfortable win.

The Europa League is an enticing proposition to those in the Premier League mid-table. If two teams with such tepid league performances are in a position to win this trophy, any Premier League entrant has the potential to win it.

Crystal Palace will have to beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday to get there.

The 'plucky underdogs' versus a club managed by one of the all-time greats, a team with an array of world-class players, whilst backed by vast Abu Dhabi resources.

City carry the weight of expectation, but for Palace, there is an entirely different pressure - a chance to achieve something unprecedented and win a major trophy.

Palace are by no means a downtrodden club and fanbase anymore. Success is relative to each club, and they have had over a decade of it, despite the usual jokes about always finishing 10th to 14th in the league.

For a generation of younger fans, that may be all they have known. Older fans may have been hardened and conditioned by former defeats and disappointments, but the days of gazing upward to the top flight are long past. Palace are now very much part of the Premier League establishment, even if we may choose to believe otherwise.

Crystal Palace deserve to be in big cup matches, they have the right to keep their best talents and battle against the best in the country. Most importantly, this manager has changed the mentality of the squad and fans alike.

Glasner and his team are now just 90 minutes from glory, and unlike nine years ago, there won't be any dancing until the job is done.

Find more from Alex Pewter at FYP podcast, external

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

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BBC Sport's chief football news reporter Simon Stone has been answering your questions on the transfer window.

Joe, Bromley: With Jean-Philippe Mateta creeping toward the exit door, my beloved Eagles will need a new striker this summer. A proper fox in the box is what we need - and we haven't had one of those since the brilliant Dwight Gayle. Any ideas about who we might look to recruit?

Simon: Firstly, strikers are the most sought-after players just now. So many clubs need reliable goalscorers, from Arsenal, external all the way down. Obviously, Palace have a shot at Europe in the FA Cup final. Winning at Wembley and European football next season is a persuasive argument to put to Mateta about staying, which is the best-case scenario. After that, it is a question of assessing the younger players who have done well elsewhere.

Jonathan David has long been viewed as a Premier League target, the same is true of Benjamin Sesko at RB Leipzig. Dusan Vlahovic has not had the greatest season at Juventus, but is highly-rated across the continent, while Moise Kean and Ademola Lookman both have Premier League experience, even if their stats in England are not that great. This is not an exhaustive list by any means and competition for all these players will drive the price up.

Tom Gayle
BBC Commentator

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There were only 21 days between Daniel Munoz's arrival at Crystal Palace and manager Roy Hodgson's departure. Yet even before the Colombian international had set foot inside the club's training ground, Hodgson knew the defender would change fan expectations when it came to the full-back position.

Speaking ahead of Munoz's arrival Hodgson said: "It's a very different type of player, a very different type of full-back to the ones that we have. Here's a younger man who will help the club going forward, and who has a different style of play."

Now with almost 18 months of English top flight experience, during which the 29-year-old has missed only one of the 52 Crystal Palace Premier League fixtures, and after watching Munoz in the flesh during Sunday's victory over Tottenham Hotspur, I struggle to name anyone else who plays the wing-back role better.

He was a constant attacking threat, assisting Eberechi Eze's opening goal, and a crossbar away from getting onto the score sheet himself. Going the other way, Munoz found himself more than a match for Mathys Tel, Wilson Odobert or Mikey Moore, who all tried in vain to get the better of him.

Munoz's most obvious asset is his fitness. After watching him go up and down all afternoon it's no surprise to discover only Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes has covered more than the 367 km he has this season. What sets him apart from everyone else in the Premier League is the volume of high intensity movement he carries out during matches. Opta's statisticians define this as both "high-speed running" (moving at 20-25km/h) and "sprinting" (25+km/h) and Munoz leads the way.

Going forward, Fulham's Antonee Robinson and Wolves' Rayan Ait Nouri are the only full-backs who can match the 10 goal involvements Munoz has provided. He also excels in the more traditional duties expected of those in his position, sitting behind Spurs' Destiny Udogie and Manchester United's Noussair Mazraoui when it comes to the average number of tackles made by Premier League defenders per 90 minutes.

As is always the case, so called 'bigger clubs', will be more than aware of Munoz's progress, so understandably Crystal Palace acted to protect their asset last month, by extending his current contract through to 2028.

During a season which has seen Kyle Walker move on, and the powers of Andy Robertson appear to fade, Munoz seems primed to take over as the go-to definition of a current Premier League full-back.

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We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Tottenham and Crystal Palace

Here are some of your comments:

Tottenham fans

Susan: I think it is disgusting for the fans who pay good money to see their team every week and get a poor display. You expect to win at home but this season it has been abysmal. The fans deserve better! It seems like the team has no pride in their performance and give up too easily. It has become 'I wonder what minute they will go behind' kind of season. OK we are in the Europa League final, but fans have paid for poor performances in the league most of the season.

Nick: Don't let Ange Postecoglou fool you. This defeat against Palace - and our 19 other PL losses this season - is down to nothing but his inability to get a tune out of any combination of Spurs' squad players. It's not the injuries, it's not the schedule - it's Ange and his coaching team. You could give him the Real Madrid squad and he'd still mess it up.

Mike: A very poor first half, where Spurs gave Palace the freedom of the park. Palace looked well organised while Spurs were the opposite. We could have lost by a much bigger margin. Not sure the players should carry all the blame.

Crystal Palace fans

Gareth: Went to the game. A dominant performance where four or five nil would not have flattered us. Numerous outstanding performances across the pitch culminating in a man of the match display from Eberechi Eze. Palace fans were superb. Bring on Manchester City and the cup final.

Keith: Hard to really judge the quality of our performance given Spurs simply didn't show up, but I'll take it. Mentally, it was exactly what was needed going into Wembley.

Bill: Good all-round performance but should be put in context. Spurs didn't turn up and played a weak team that had no interest in the game. We, on the other hand, played to win and should have by at least 5-0. Hope we get an xG of 3.39 against City and convert that into goals!

Highlights and analysis from Sunday's five Premier League fixtures, plus the best of the action from the rest of the weekend.

If you missed Match of the Day 2, catch up now on BBC iPlayer.

And you can watch Saturday's Match of the Day here.

Listen back to the weekend's full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Southampton 0-0 Man City

• Bournemouth 0-1 Aston Villa

• Manchester United 0-2 West Ham

• Nottingham Forest 2-2 Leicester

• Liverpool 2-2 Arsenal

Adwaidh Rajan
BBC Sport journalist

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Eberechi Eze was at the centre of everything positive Crystal Palace did during their 2-0 derby victory at Tottenham in the Premier League on Sunday.

Oliver Glasner's side were on the offensive right from kick-off but were growing frustrated after failing to find a breakthrough in a dominant first half.

But Eze, who had seen a deflected effort flash narrowly wide earlier, broke the deadlock at the stroke of half-time when he turned in a cross from wing-back Daniel Munoz.

It was the first time the England international had scored in three Premier League games in a row - in his 268th appearance in the English top flight.

The 26-year-old also sealed the victory only three minutes after restart as he sent Ismaila Sarr through on the right before side-footing the return ball past Spurs goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky.

While club top scorer Jean-Philippe Mateta has only netted once in six games, Eze now has five goals in his past four matches in all competitions, including the opener in the 3-0 win against Aston Villa in the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

As they return to Wembley on Saturday for a third FA Cup final in the club's history, in-form Eze could prove to be key for Oliver Glasner as the Eagles look to lift the coveted trophy for the first time at the expense of Pep Guardiola's Manchester City.

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Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner, speaking to Sky Sports after the 2-0 victory over Tottenham: "We had so many chances in the first half because of the high line, we expected this. We created so many situations and then you need those players in the box to score the goals. I'm really delighted with the performance, it's good preparation for the FA Cup final.

"It was 1-0 and we could have decided the game already. We had two disallowed goals and hit the post. It's to be efficient. I think the last 20 minutes we lost a bit of intensity. Tottenham had a big win three days ago and they couldn't compete with the energy. It was a really good day for us.

"This is always about our performance. We gave them too many transitions and we lost the ball too many times. They had two or three very good chances at the end, this is too much I think."

On Eberechi Eze's form: "He's scored some amazing goals. Today's were two empty net goals. It's good to have him in great shape. I think we will need to be better than today to beat Man City. It's good to have all our players in the best shape at crunch time."

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After netting against Arsenal, Nottingham Forest and now Tottenham Hotspur, Eberechi Eze has scored in three consecutive league matches for the first time in his career, with today his 268th league appearance.

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

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