Dean Henderson played a huge role as Crystal Palace beat Manchester City 1-0 in the FA Cup final but the goalkeeper would’ve been sent off if not for a controversial VAR decision
Pep Guardiola and Dean Henderson had to be separated after full-time as the Crystal Palace goalkeeper’s FA Cup celebrations briefly turned sour. Henderson, 28, was among the heroes for Palace, saving a penalty and making a series of crucial saves as the Eagles clung on to beat Manchester City 1-0 after Eberechi Eze’s early goal.
But the England international was perhaps fortunate to still be on the pitch when he denied Omar Marmoush from the spot. Earlier in the first half, Henderson handled the ball outside of his area but escaped a red card after a VAR check in a decision which sparked outrage.
Guardiola appeared to be furious with the decision after the final whistle and clashed with the Palace goalkeeper, seemingly about time-wasting. As Henderson ran towards the middle of the pitch to celebrate with his team-mates, the City boss wagged a finger at him.
The pair were then seen exchanging words before Palace coaching staff stepped in. Palace’s No.2 goalkeeper, Matt Turner, kept Guardiola away while Eagles manager Oliver Glasner held Henderson back.
«I just went to shake his hand, but he was disappointed by the time-wasting,» Henderson revealed to ITV post-match. «But no hard feelings.»
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Speaking to the BBC, the former Manchester United star added: «It’s incredible, we had a feeling it’d be our day today, we executed the gameplan, we deserve this so much..
«[Erling] Haaland might’ve stepped up, I didn’t know which way he’d go, but Omar Marmoush, I knew which way he was going. I knew I would save it. The ball carried into my box, I knew I was fine, it held up as it was a bit dry, it doesn’t matter, who cares?»
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It was an especially emotional day for Henderson, too. «I lost my dad at the start of the season, but he was with me today,» he explained. «He was with me every kick of the game. I dedicate that win to him.»
Another Palace hero, Eze, added: «This is special, I don’t even know what to say. Thank God, only God could do this. Facing the team that’s been the best in the world for years, to show that type of spirit and energy… only God.
«I couldn’t breathe! City keep the ball so well, you have to work so hard to get anything from them. When you get in their box you have to make the chance count. I’ve come a long way. To be in this position now – it’s hard to use the right words here.»
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