Crystal Palace

Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has been speaking to the media before Tuesday's Premier League game against Wolves at Selhurst Park (kick-off 20:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Glasner confirmed Adam Wharton will miss both remaining games after suffering concussion in the FA Cup final, but Marc Guehi, who also went to hospital after the match, is a possibility for Sunday's game at Liverpool.

• The Eagles boss said it had been "great feelings, great emotions, great times" following Saturday's FA Cup triumph, but on the difficulty of turning attention back to Premier League games, he added: "I don't know to be honest. We cancelled Sunday's training. I'm not sure how they will present today. Of course, we have to find the right motivation, the right commitment - all together - how we want to start this week and how we want to end this week."

• On if players will still be hungry for these final matches: "We will try to find the right motivation. A few weeks ago everyone was talking about the semi-final and final. I said if they achieved a new points record then they will get two days off. They asked for it after the final but I said no - after one more point."

• He added: "This is the biggest achievement. A lot of tension drops. But they are human beings with emotions and sometimes it is not as easy to get the turnaround in a few days. That's why I was fighting for the Wolves game to be on Thursday not Tuesday, but sometimes you shout into the wind with these things."

• Glasner is expecting a "great atmosphere" at their final home game of the campaign: "Many fans are still celebrating and it's what they deserve. We will go for a good end of the season at home."

• On what he was feeling in the moment he took after the final whistle blew: "'Wow, we did it.' I couldn't believe it, that we won the FA Cup. It was a great atmosphere, a great traditional stadium, and credit to the FA how they celebrate this final. I had many, many family members there who enjoyed and they said it was great being part of it. This is what I felt - just being proud, of every player and staff involved."

• Having previously said he would retire the lucky black jumper he had been wearing if they beat Manchester City, he confirmed "It is already in the washing machine, but its job is done. You won't see it any more. It now goes back in the drawer... It won't be used for football any more, it is now my leisure time jumper."

Follow all of Monday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news and reaction

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FA Cup final victory a "fairytale ending" for outgoing Crystal Palace captain Joel Ward.

The Eagles came through 1-0 winners against Manchester City at Wembley on Saturday to secure their first major trophy.

"I'm not sure the magnitude of it all has actually set in yet, and I think that is for everyone at the club and associated with the club. Certainly a party atmosphere," Ward told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast.

"We had celebrations after the game, but obviously we have the final game of the season at home [on Tuesday night], which I can only imagine is going to be pretty eventful. The Palace fans will certainly take the roof off, which will be a special night.

"We knew coming up against City that they were going to have the lion's share of possession, but our gameplan was executed to near perfection.

"For me, on the sidelines and leading up to the game, there was just a sense of belief. Throughout the game, you go through spells where you get a little bit jittery or nervous, and the adrenaline is kicking in, but there was a real sense of peace. These lads knew what it was going to take to get across the line and they put in an enormous shift during the week and on the day."

The final came just days after it was confirmed the 35-year-old would be leaving Crystal Palace after 13 years with the club.

Asked what it meant to win the FA Cup in his final season with the Eagle, Ward said: "To do something like that is pretty incredible. I don't think there are real words for what it means, but to create history for this club, this set of players will go down in the history books for lifetimes.

"It is very special winning it and winning your first major trophy - that squad, that team, those players will never ever be forgotten. Like the manger said, we have given hundreds of thousand of people pure joy, which is the most important thing.

"It was a fairytale ending to what has been an incredible chapter at Palace [for me]."

Listen back on BBC Sounds

Alex Pewter
Fan writer

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Hidden in YouTube's archives is a Darren Ambrose goal of the year video from the 2011-12 season. Set to The Cinematic Orchestra's 'To Build a Home', it shows Ambrose scoring from range at Old Trafford in the League Cup quarter final. The camera cuts to a father and his two boys celebrating in disbelief.

I'm not sure how many times I've looked back on that video, but I did once more on the morning of the FA Cup Final – a failed attempt to distract myself and temper the nerves before heading to Wembley Stadium.

That image of the dad and his sons made me emotional 13 years ago, long before we all knew their story that followed.

For that moment to be unveiled as the tifo display at an FA Cup final encapsulated what this match and event meant to the club, the fans in the stadium and those watching elsewhere.

We all have different versions of a similar Palace experience. I have many people and connections in my life whom I'd have never met had my own father not grown up a few roads away from a particular football stadium in south London.

This wasn't a game that a club like Crystal Palace are meant to win. For many, it was a 'just once before I die' achievement, and in the aftermath, we are collectively unsure about what comes next now that we have reached our mountain top.

The semi-final was a party atmosphere, a spectacle of footballing brilliance. The final was the antithesis, a nervy defensive affair that needed a counterattack to spark the fans to life - we didn't expect the first foray to result in the winning goal.

It wasn't until 90 seconds before the end of stoppage time that I realised it was over. The Kevin de Bruyne overhit pass that Dean Henderson ushered out for a goal kick. It seemed the other shoe wouldn't drop like it did in 1990 and 2016.

A wave of emotion followed: euphoria, shock, tears of joy, and a sense of loss for the friends and family who didn't make it to see this finally happen with us.

Crystal Palace are now the 45th team to lift the FA Cup, and that can never be taken away.

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Former Crystal Palace striker Clinton Morrison says he struggled to "stay professional" at Wembley as Palace held their nerve to lift the FA Cup.

Morrison, who was commentating on BBC Radio 5 Live for the game, told the Football Daily podcast "it is bonkers" that the South London club are going to be playing European football.

"Everyone thought Manchester City were favourites but Palace always had a glimmer of hope because of the attacking players they have as well as a great manager in Oliver Glasner," said Morrison.

"The message is to take the cup seriously because that is what Glasner has done since the very first round. He has put out a strong team in every game.

"I was in the commentary box, and you know how you have to stay professional? I couldn't! Crystal Palace are going to be playing Europa League football.

"It is bonkers! I never thought I would see that in my lifetime."

Listen to the full discussion on BBC Sounds

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Former Premier League midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker says Crystal Palace's FA Cup victory is "a great win for football" and it should keep the magic of the competition alive in the coming years.

"That was what we call a proper cup final because it had everything," Reo-Coker said on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast. "It was a great win for Crystal Palace but also a great win for football because this is what the sport is about.

"Most people probably still favoured Manchester City to get the job done but what Palace did with the players they have is a win for football.

"It is about keeping the dream alive. All of these so-called 'small clubs' should dream and attempt to make it happen. Full credit to Palace."

Listen to the Football Daily podcast on BBC Sounds

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We asked you to tell us how you're feeling after that victory - and hear your suggestions on how the club can progress from this point.

Here are some of your comments:

Josh: I'm still crying. I've just re-watched yesterday's Match of The Day, and I'm off again. The end-credits montage sent me. I've woken up in tears. I love football. I love my Palace.

Pedro: It's still sinking in. This wonderful achievement should prompt the board to stop squabbling, unite, back Glasner and move the club forward. With our brilliant fans behind you, this is our sliding doors moment. Let's not waste it. A brighter future awaits!

Tom: The best hangover I'm having. What a team!

Peter: I've had to watch Match of The Day last night and this morning to confirm I wasn't dreaming. If we can back Glasner and keep most of the players, the future is a lot brighter. The board needs to unite for us to step forward. Do the right thing. Together, we can achieve much more.

Karim: It still hasn't quite sunk in yet. FA Cup champions. All the talk about a Community Shield and a European tour is obviously great, but once the buzz is over I fear the euphoria of winning the trophy will be replaced by worrying about keeping our best players and, more importantly, our manager. Big summer coming up for us.

Luca: Simply the best day of my life - broke down in tears at full-time. My dad who's supported them for over 35 years saw us relegated multiple times, put in administration twice and lose two FA Cup finals hugged my mum. Sheer joy, ecstasy, relief, wonder, disbelief. You could see for everyone at Wembley and at home. It simply meant everything. Thank you to Oli Glasner and every single player. You've done and achieved what we thought impossible.

It's time to reflect on specific elements from Wembley.

Manchester City fans, the likes of Micah Richards are speaking about a "rebuild" being needed at the club. What's your take? What needs the most work?

Tell us

Crystal Palace fans, now that it's sinking in, can you tell us how you are feeling? And how does the club progress from here?

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Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

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The greatest day in Crystal Palace's history was richly deserved and reward for faith in the work of Oliver Glasner, who has masterminded their superb run to FA Cup glory.

Palace did not win their first Premier League game this season until 27 October, but faith in the Austrian never wavered and the payback is this big prize - as well as a place in the Europa League next season.

Eberechi Eze and Dean Henderson have been two standout heroes on the road to Wembley, and they inspired the Eagles once again as City were punished at one end and thwarted at the other.

Eze provided the moment of magic, as he did in the quarter-final win at Fulham and the semi-final win against Aston Villa at Wembley, pouncing ruthlessly on Munoz's cross to leave Stefan Ortega helpless.

City will forever believe Henderson should have seen red when he clawed the ball away from Erling Haaland in the first half, but VAR ruled otherwise and Henderson produced an otherwise faultless display in front of watching England head coach Thomas Tuchel.

When he dived to his right to save Marmoush's penalty, Henderson became the first keeper to save a penalty in an FA Cup final - excluding shootouts - since Petr Cech for Chelsea against Portsmouth in 2010.

City may have held sway in possession, with 78% compared to Palace's 22%, but when it mattered Eze produced the goods again.

Daniel Munoz was another standout performer for Palace, whose fans had to go through 10 agonising minutes of additional time before the memories of losing FA Cup finals in 1990 and 2016 could be banished.

Glasner's reaction, like his management, was calm and measured, while joy exploded for Palace elsewhere.

There were tears of joy on the pitch and in the stands as Palace finally sampled the sweet taste of success.

Read more from Phil

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Crystal Palace have told supporters to keep Monday 26 May free in their calendars following their historic FA Cup win at Wembley.

The club has promised "South London style" celebrations after claiming their first major trophy in their history.

A club statement, external continued: "There's a lot to plan, a few guests to invite, and a trophy to polish."

More details will be revealed in due course but for now the club has told their faithful fans to "keep the celebrations going".

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We asked for your thoughts after Crystal Palace shocked Manchester City to win their first major trophy in their history at Wembley.

Here are some of your comments on the Eagles' FA Cup win:

Pedro: Tears of joy as my 50 plus years of waiting comes to an end. We held our nerve, worked tirelessly, and were buoyed on by our magnificent support. I'm emotionally drained but in total ecstasy. A day to treasure.

Andy: 40 plus years of supporting Palace! What a day. Glasner the professor! Eze was the difference between the teams. What a team performance to hold Manchester City! Conceding only one goal throughout the whole tournament is brilliant!

Simon: Congratulations to Palace for an amazing performance to deny Manchester City a trophy this season. They rode their luck at times but defended to a man.

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John: They did what they set out to do which was win, albeit they had some help...

Stephen: An outstanding rear-guard effort. Muniz, Eze, Henderson and the rest of the team never stopped working.

Paul: Every player turned up today. It was a true team effort. We were solid from the back and took our chance when it came. Courage and desire. Let's hope Palace can keep most of their players and put on a good show in Europe next season!

Mark: Being Palace is special. I've loved this club since my first game as a seven-year-old, over 60 years ago. To all the other proper supporters out there, it can and will happen for your clubs. Also, stay firm. From sublime to ridiculous.

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Crystal Palace Oliver Glasner has been speaking to BBC Match of the Day about the historic cup win: "I can't believe it. We had to defend so much. The spirit and togetherness on the pitch was amazing. It was all about being patient.

"We analysed that if you give them the pocket [of space] then they are so good. We had to be patient, let them cross, defend and wait for the moment to attack.

"They are so good in their movements. From the 5-2 defeat, we learned that if we give them the pocket [of space], we will lose. We usually attack more, but we had to be patient and wait for the right moment.

"When they play with four attacking players, it is difficult to defend. But in transition, we knew we could create overloads. No winger likes to defend and it was a great goal.

"Tomorrow's training is already cancelled. The players want to cancel Monday's too.

"Special credit to the players, they have never lost belief in me and the coaching staff.

"To be honest I can't really believe it. I think when you play this game 10 times, you win it once, and this happened today.

"The goal was the first time we were in their half and then we just defended with every single part of the body."

Former Palace striker Clinton Morrison on BBC Radio 5 Live: "I can't believe it. I didn't think I'd see Palace lift a trophy in my lifetime. Oliver Glasner is a special manager. What a day.

"Oliver Glasner is so detailed, everyone knows their role. I've been to the training ground and seen him work players so hard.

"Eze is not one of those who wants to run up and down in training, he wants to showboat, but in training he puts in 100% effort and that's down to the manager."

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Crystal Palace have won their first-ever major trophy. They are the first English club to win their first major title since Wigan Athletic in the 2012-13 FA Cup, who also beat Manchester City in the final that year.

The Eagles are the 45th side to win the FA Cup and first team to win it for the first time since Leicester City in 2021.

Daniel Munoz has been directly involved in 13 goals in all competitions for Crystal Palace this season. His six goals and seven assists are the joint-most of any Premier League defender in 2024-25 (Pedro Porro also has 13 direct involvements).

Manchester City have now lost the FA Cup final two years in a row. It is the seventh time they have finished as runners up in the competition, with only Manchester United (9), Chelsea (8) and Everton (8) doing so more times.

Pep Guardiola's side have lost 16 games in all competitions this season - their most in a single campaign since 2008-09 (23 games).

Manchester City enjoyed 76.7% possession in this match, the most on record (from 2014) in an FA Cup final. In fact, defender Ruben Dias completed more passes himself (129) than Crystal Palace did as an entire team (126).

This win qualifies Crystal Palace for next season's Europa League and it is set to be their first-ever appearance in a major European competition.