EPA
Crystal Palace fans celebrated late into the night following the club’s historic FA Cup win over Manchester City on Saturday.
The south London side won 1-0, marking the club’s first major trophy in its history.
Eberechi Eze’s 16th minute goal secured the victory, with scenes of ecstasy breaking out among fans across the capital and beyond when the full-time whistle was blown.
“It’s an amazing day,” one fan who was at Wembley told BBC London. “I’ve supported Palace for 46 years and I don’t know if I ever thought I’d see this.
“Genuinely the best day of my sporting life.”
“Unbelievable,” another added. “I was here 35 years ago for the cup final [defeat by Manchester United]. After winning it now – unbelievable – a really emotional day.”
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Reuters
While City dominated possession, Oliver Glasner’s side kept the seven-time winners out, with keeper Dean Henderson saving from Erling Haaland, Josko Gvardiol and Jeremy Doku in the first half, then denying Claudio Echeverri after the break.
As the club lifted their first major trophy in their 120-year professional history, there were tears of joy in the stands.
“I absolutely can’t believe it. It’s incredible, once in a lifetime,” a fan in the crowd said.
“When we got our chance to attack, we made it,” added another.
“I can’t believe that we just won that – absolutely incredible.”
Outside of the stadium, fans following the match on TV and radio went wild as victory was confirmed.
At Croydon’s Boxpark, supporters who were watching the game on the big screen launched their drinks into the air when the referee blew the final whistle.
“That was epic. I love this team, I love this town,” one supporter, who was from Croydon, said.
“We cried. But hey, I’m 65. If I cry, I cry.”
Another added: “Tears that I didn’t know I had came out.”
“If we never win another match again, I don’t care now. I’m so happy,” a third said.
The joy is set to continue with the Eagles announcing that their official winners party is set to take place on 26 May.
Reuters
‘It’s brilliant for south London’
Analysis by BBC London Sport’s Phil Parry
What Crystal Palace, their manager and their players need to be congratulated on is how seriously they’ve taken the FA Cup right from the get-go, right from playing the likes of Stockport County early doors.
Oliver Glasner’s played a strong team all the way through and he’s been nothing shy of declaring he wants to go far, he wants to win it if he possibly can.
That belief that’s come from the manager has been extended out on to the pitch.
I think there was a growing belief ahead of yesterday that they could win against Manchester City.
It’s brilliant for football that someone different wins the FA cup. It’s brilliant for south London and I think it’s given the FA Cup a real boost.
Reuters
