Adam Wharton was unable to affix in along with his jubilant teammates after Crystal Palace scooped the FA Cup.
The Eagles secured their first piece of main silverware in 164 years at Wembley Stadium on Saturday after beating Manchester Metropolis 1-0.
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Eberechi Eze’s first half strike proved to be the winner towards the Residents to make it third time fortunate for Palace having misplaced their two earlier FA Cup finals.
Oliver Glasner’s facet held on to their lead after Dean Henderson had saved a penalty from Omar Marmoush within the thirty sixth minute.
Their heroic defensive efficiency was partially right down to Wharton’s midfield show.
His involvement solely got here after recovering from a current ankle damage to begin alongside Daichi Kamada within the centre of the park.
Wharton had missed final weekend’s win at Tottenham Hotspur because of the damage scare.
The England worldwide ended the match with a 100 per cent deal with success charge in addition to finishing all of his dribbles.
Wharton additionally gained 5 duels, accomplished two interceptions, made 4 clearances and pulled off two blocks in the course of the last.
Nevertheless, a kind of blocks proved expensive as he missed the post-match celebrations on the Wembley turf.
The 21-year-old was compelled to bear concussion checks with members of the Palace medical crew after a blow to his head.
He had thrown his physique in the best way of a shot from Metropolis’s Kevin De Bruyne because the overwhelmed finalists pushed for an equaliser.
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The trouble struck the again of Wharton’s head, leaving him stricken on the ground earlier than receiving therapy.
Regardless of initially persevering with, Wharton was changed within the 87th minute by Will Hughes as he headed for extra checks on a possible concussion.
Glasner hailed the grit and willpower of his gamers, together with Wharton, following the match.
The Palace boss advised Match of the Day: “Particular credit score to the gamers, they’ve by no means misplaced perception in me and the teaching workers.
“To be trustworthy I am unable to actually consider it. I feel while you play this recreation ten instances, you win it as soon as, and this occurred right this moment.
“The aim was the primary time we have been of their half after which we simply defended with each single a part of the physique.”
In addition to their first main trophy, Palace’s FA Cup triumph has additionally secured a maiden European marketing campaign for the membership.
They are going to now seem in subsequent season’s Europa League, coming into the competitors on the league section.