FA Cup triumph 'special' for speechless Eze

The England international's strike on 16 minutes helped Crystal Palace to their first major trophy in the club's 119-year history. "It's special. I don't know what to say," said Palace's hero, Eberechi Eze.

"We've faced a team that's been the best team in the world for so long. To show that type of spirit, that type of energy," the 26-year-old added. Palace had to ride their luck as goalkeeper Dean Henderson was fortunate to escape an early red card for handling outside his box.

Henderson also saved a first-half penalty from Omar Marmoush, but City failed to make their dominance of possession count. "I just couldn't breathe. They keep the ball so well," Eze said of City's fast start.

"We also know when we get up to their box, we've got to make it count and just thankful we made it count today because it's not easy." Victory means Palace will also play in European competition for the first time next season as they qualify for the Europa League.