Alan Pardew: ‘Crystal Palace players gave everything in FA Cup final’

Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew has bemoaned his side’s FA Cup final defeat against Manchester United, but insists that his players “gave everything”.

The Eagles took the lead at Wembley, courtesy of Jason Puncheon‘s 78th-minute strike, but an equaliser from Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard‘s winner ensured that Louis van Gaal‘s side ran out 2-1 winners and clinched the trophy.

Pardew told reporters after the game: “My players gave everything. Everything. And they deserved to win but the game is like that.

“We had a couple of decisions that went against us, big time. Connor was through, Wilfried had a penalty but I’m not going to bleat. Great performance from both teams, great final.

“It’s such a shame. We did a lot of things very well, we hurt them on the break, the referee didn’t help us but we grew into the game. I’m so proud of the club, we have been dignified in defeat and we look forward to next year.”

Pardew was also part of the Palace side that lost their FA Cup final replay in 1990 against Man Utd.