Sunday’s briefing: Eze fires Eagles to cup win as Everton set to leave Goodison

Crystal Palace stunned Manchester City in the FA Cup final to win their first major trophy at Wembley.

Eberechi Eze scored the only goal of the game while Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson, who might have been sent off, saved a penalty from Omar Marmoush.

In Scotland, there were worrying scenes when Aberdeen substitute Jack MacKenzie was taken away in a wheelchair with a bloodied bandage around his head at Dundee United after being hit by an object thrown by his own fans.

Palace make history

Eze’s 16th-minute goal and a heroic defensive effort clinched an unforgettable 1-0 cup triumph for Palace.

Eze put Palace ahead with their first attack of the match before an inspired Henderson saved Marmoush’s spot-kick after he was passed the ball by Erling Haaland.

However, Henderson could count himself fortunate to still be on the pitch after he earlier appeared to deny Haaland a scoring opportunity when he handled the ball outside of his area.

Daniel Munoz’s strike after the interval was then chalked off by VAR, with Oliver Glasner’s side thwarting wave after wave of City possession to see out the victory and seal a place in the Europa League.

New chapter for Eagles

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner hailed his players for writing a new chapter in the club’s history.

“We said before the game that we wanted to write our own history and we have written a big chapter in our history and next year we will do that again when we play in Europe,” said the Austrian, who joined Palace last February.

City boss Pep Guardiola was unhappy about Henderson’s time wasting – but the Spaniard refused to be drawn on whether the keeper should have been sent off.

“My teams never try that because I try to give the game the people deserve to watch,” said Guardiola.

“But, in saying that, congratulations to Henderson and Crystal Palace and they defended well and we were not able to score a goal.”

‘Unacceptable’ Dons incident

Aberdeen boss Jimmy Thelin described the head injury to defender MacKenzie after the 2-1 defeat against Dundee United as “totally unacceptable”.

Home fans invaded the pitch at Tannadice after the final-day win, which clinched fourth spot in the William Hill Premiership and a place in Europe.

Amid the chaos, MacKenzie, an unused substitute, was struck by a missile thrown from the section holding Aberdeen fans and was given lengthy treatment before being taken away in a wheelchair with a bloodied bandage around his head. Stitches were required.

A Police Scotland statement read: “Part of a chair was thrown from the upper deck of the Fair Play Stand striking an Aberdeen player. He received treatment at the scene and will require further medical assessment.”

United’s lap of honour was called off and afterwards Thelin said: “What’s happened is totally unacceptable. It is actually a bad injury but Jack is OK so let’s see how it feels after more minutes.”

Farewell Goodison

https://x.com/Everton/status/1923800688804438457

David Moyes believes Everton fans should be excited about the future even as they shed a tear for the past when the men’s team play their final game at Goodison Park on Sunday.

Everton host already-relegated Southampton at the Grand Old Lady in their last game before moving to the club’s new 52,888-capacity home at Bramley Moore Dock next season, having announced on Friday a long-term naming rights deal to call the new ground the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

“I think we’re all looking forward to it because it’s been something which we’ve been waiting on for a long, long time,” said Moyes.

“Certainly Everton supporters for many years have been hoping this day might come – not the day of leaving Goodison but certainly the day we’re opening the new stadium and now it’s very close so we’re excited by it.

“We’re hoping it can be something where in another 100 years’ time we’re all saying it’s a great place where we enjoy playing.”

What’s on today?

Everton‘s historic moment is one of five Premier League matches taking place on Sunday.

A big match in the race for Champions League will see Arsenal host Newcastle, while Nottingham Forest travel to West Ham, Brentford host Fulham and relegated duo Leicester and Ipswich do battle.

Chelsea will look to complete a domestic treble when they take on defending champions Manchester United in the women’s FA Cup final.

The regular Scottish Premiership season concludes with the remaining bottom six fixtures.

Dundee face already-relegated St Johnstone as they look to avoid dropping into the play-off spot below Ross County, who play Motherwell.