Manchester City’s hopes of silverware came crashing down at Wembley after Eberechi Eze’s 16th-minute goal gave Crystal Palace a famous 1-0 victory in the 2025 FA Cup final. Despite dominating possession and creating several chances, Pep Guardiola’s side failed to find the breakthrough, leaving them trophyless for the season.
In a game full of controversy and missed opportunities, Ruben Dias summed up City’s mood post-match by saying, “We only have ourselves to blame.” The Portuguese defender emphasized that despite the frustration over refereeing decisions, the focus had to remain on their own shortcomings in front of goal.
“We will feel however we have to feel today, but tomorrow wake up strong and ready to go again,” Dias said. “These last two games are two massive finals for us, and they mean everything to us.”
Marmoush Penalty Miss Proves Pivotal
The defining moment came in the 36th minute when Manchester City were awarded a penalty after Tyrick Mitchell fouled Bernardo Silva. While Erling Haaland initially held the ball during the VAR review, he eventually handed the spot kick to Omar Marmoush.
Marmoush struck the penalty with power, but Dean Henderson dived to his right and made a brilliant save. City never recovered from the miss.
In his post-match comments, Pep Guardiola clarified he did not assign the penalty taker:
“I didn’t speak with them [Haaland and Marmoush]. They take a decision, penalties are like that. I like guys who take initiative and they decide… Omar took a lot of time when the ball was stopped, and after he kicked so it put more pressure on him.”
Haaland’s Leadership Questioned Again
The incident reignited debate over Erling Haaland’s role in big games. The Norwegian striker, who underperformed in the Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid and last year’s FA Cup final, once again failed to deliver on the biggest stage.
Not only did Haaland miss a chance to take the penalty himself, but he also lost all his ground duels, had just one shot on target, and was dispossessed eight times. A key moment of frustration came when Dean Henderson appeared to handle the ball outside his box to deny Haaland a clear run on goal—an incident that went unpunished.
Dias Reflects on Missed Chances and Defensive Errors
Defensively, City were also shaky. Manuel Akanji was beaten too easily by Eze for the game’s only goal and nearly gifted Palace a second through a mix-up with Ruben Dias in the second half.
Dias admitted City’s finishing, not the refereeing, was to blame:
“They were clinical and had that chance in the beginning and they made it happen. Then there was a lot of control from us, a lot of chances and we didn’t turn them into goals. We only have ourselves to blame for that and we have and must do better.”
City Must Regroup with Champions League Qualification Still at Stake
Despite the disappointment, Manchester City’s season is not over. With two crucial Premier League matches remaining, Guardiola’s side must refocus to secure a top-four finish and UEFA Champions League qualification for 2025/26.
“These last two games are two massive finals for us,” Dias reiterated. “They mean everything to us.”
The pressure now falls on City to end a frustrating campaign on a strong note and avoid further questions about their mental resolve in big matches.
Conclusion: City’s Big Game Failings Exposed in Wembley Heartbreak
Crystal Palace’s historic triumph at Wembley was well-earned, but Manchester City’s wastefulness in front of goal and questionable decision-making will dominate the post-mortem. From Omar Marmoush’s penalty miss to Haaland’s low influence and Akanji’s defensive lapse, City’s flaws were exposed on the biggest domestic stage.
Guardiola’s trust in player-led decisions backfired, and as Ruben Dias admitted, there are no excuses—only accountability. With no silverware this season, all eyes turn to the summer rebuild and the final two matches that will define their place in next year’s European elite.
