City dominated the opening stages and Haaland had a hooked effort clawed out by the inspired Henderson, but Palace hit them on the break as Eberechi Eze swept home the goal in the 16th minute that ultimately won Palace the match.

The defeated opposition players paid due respect to Palace by waiting for the opposition to lift the trophy before slipping off with their heads bowed down the tunnel.

Haaland, though, hung about on the pitch with his runners-up medal weighing heavily around his neck, probably contemplating how this season had gone so wrong.

Palace players revelled in winning the first major trophy in the club’s history and Haaland’s compatriots celebrated the national day of Norway, but the striker himself had little to cheer.

There was also a changing of the guard in City’s midfield as the departing Kevin de Bruyne was unable to end his illustrious career at the club on a high with a trophy, while 19-year-old Argentine Claudio Echeverri was given his debut in the second half.

“This season has been a massive disappointment for Manchester City,” Richards said.

“Pep Guardiola has talked about that throughout the season. The players have not met the levels they’ve set in recent years.

“For City, we are looking at a rebuild – it’s obvious for everyone to see – although at times today they did really well.”

Guardiola said: “We didn’t score so congratulations to Crystal Palace for the victory – we did everything.

“Today we were more aggressive. If you’re not going to score goals, you’re not going to win.”

As the ticker tape rained down, the Bee Gees’ classic ‘Stayin Alive’ pumped out over the speakers.

Haaland and his team-mates will need to do just that in their remaining two Premier League games if they are to finish in the top five in what is turning into a forgettable campaign.