Man City end season trophyless as Kevin de Bruyne farewell ends in FA Cup final defeat to Crystal Palace
Man City were defeated by Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium.
Kevin de Bruyne will not receive a fitting end to his Manchester City career as they lost 1-0 to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final to confirm a rare trophyless season for Pep Guardiola’s side. The Blues have won it all in recent years but tasted defeat at Wembley Stadium for the second year in a row thanks to Eberechi Eze’s first-half goal.
City dominated the match but failed to make it count against an inspired Palace side. The Blues squandered an incredible chance to equalise in the first-half of the match when Omar Marmoush saw a penalty saved by Dean Henderson in controversial circumstances.
The former Manchester United goalkeeper was lucky to still be on the pitch after he survived a VAR check for a deliberate handball when he appeared to handle the ball outside his box. City eventually won a penalty when Bernardo Silva was fouled in the box, only for Henderson to dive low and deny the City forward.
De Bruyne has not been offered a new contract at club and will leave at the end of the current campaign. It has still not been confirmed whether or not he will take part in the upcoming Club World Cup, with his deal set to expire midway through the competition in the United States.
Man City reaction to Crystal Palace defeat
Speaking on BBC One, Man City favourite Micah Richards gave his verdict on the defeat. “These games are about moments. There were big moments that changed the game today, on another day City could have won it. Credit to Palace, they stuck to their plan and knew what to do. Everything they did today was sublime. In these moments you've got to manage the occassion. They rode their luck at times but they dealt with it.”
Former Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney added: “First half, they sat in and had a few chances. Second half Man City kept pushing and the way they defended. Dean Henderson made some crucial saves. Palace knew they would have to come here and work hard. Sometimes things are meant to happen and meant to be. Palace were outstanding today.”