The players and supporters of Crystal Palace are on cloud nine after winning the FA Cup semi-final against Aston Villa. The Eagles have become a model club at the highest level in England.
At the start of the season, few would have predicted the remarkable turnaround Crystal Palace would achieve under Oliver Glasner.
The South London side began their Premier League campaign in disappointing fashion, failing to win any of their first eight matches, a run that left many questioning whether Glasner’s time in charge would be short-lived. Yet, amidst growing frustration from fans, there remained a sense of calm behind the scenes at Selhurst Park. Chairman Steve Parish, known for his measured approach, stood firm in his support for the Austrian manager, believing that the team was capable of more and that Glasner’s footballing vision would eventually come to fruition.
That belief was spectacularly rewarded on Saturday, as Crystal Palace dismantled Aston Villa 3-0 in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley, earning themselves a place in the final and igniting celebrations among the club’s passionate supporters. For Parish, the moment was particularly sweet. "This was amazing. The players were fantastic, they deserve all the credit along with the manager. You can see what this means to the club," he told the BBC, visibly emotional as he looked on at the sea of jubilant Palace fans who had made the journey to Wembley. It was a day that symbolised how patience, trust, and a clear vision can lead to success, even in the pressure-cooker environment of English football.
Crystal Palace's path to stability and now glory was not without its challenges. Their poor start in the league saw them languishing near the relegation zone, and the departures of key players like Joachim Andersen to Fulham and Michael Olise to Bayern Munich seemed to signal a period of rebuilding. Yet, Parish and the club's leadership, including sporting director Dougie Freedman, had faith in the squad they had assembled and the man leading it. Glasner, known for his tactical acumen and ability to develop young talent, gradually instilled confidence in his players, focusing on a balanced style of play that maximised their strengths while addressing early defensive frailties.
As the season progressed, Palace began to find their rhythm. They climbed steadily up the Premier League table, shedding the relegation fears that once loomed large, and now sit comfortably in twelfth place. More importantly, their FA Cup journey captured the imagination of fans and pundits alike, as they overcame tough opponents with a blend of resilience, flair, and tactical discipline.
Saturday’s victory over Aston Villa was the culmination of months of hard work and belief. The match itself was a showcase of everything that has gone right for Palace this season. Eberechi Eze, a player whose talent has long been recognised, delivered a masterclass, opening the scoring with a stunning long-range strike that sent the Wembley crowd into raptures. Alan Shearer, himself no stranger to spectacular goals, was full of praise for Eze. "What a strike that was. To smash the ball into the net so effortlessly from that distance… Incredible," he said, clearly impressed by the midfielder’s technique and confidence.
Eze, who received the Man of the Match award, epitomised Palace's attacking intent, but he wasn’t the only one earning plaudits. Adam Wharton, the 21-year-old midfielder, put in a performance that belied his age. His energy, composure, and ability to win back possession were key to Palace’s dominance in midfield. Former England captain Wayne Rooney, analysing the game for the BBC, singled out Wharton for special praise. "He was insanely good. He was so sharp and won the ball back so many times. In my eyes, he was the best player on the pitch," said Rooney, highlighting Wharton’s potential to become one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders.
Oliver Glasner, ever composed, spoke after the game with his usual calm. While delighted with the result and the individual brilliance on display, he remained focused on the collective effort. "Eberechi has shown that so many times on the training pitch. I was especially pleased with how we won the ball back. But yes, it was a well-taken finish," he said, modestly deflecting attention from himself and instead praising the hard work of his players.
The success of this Crystal Palace side is not just about individual talent; it’s about the culture Glasner and his staff have cultivated. The belief that every player has a role to play, the emphasis on discipline and teamwork, and the ability to rise above setbacks have all contributed to what is fast becoming a historic season. The club, which has often fought to avoid relegation, now finds itself on the brink of winning its first major trophy in over a century.
Beyond the pitch, the atmosphere around Palace has transformed. The fans, long known for their loyalty and passion, have been given renewed hope. Selhurst Park has become a fortress once again, and the bond between the supporters, players, and management is stronger than ever. The FA Cup final now represents not just a shot at silverware, but a validation of the journey the club has taken.
For Steve Parish, Oliver Glasner, and everyone connected to Crystal Palace, this is a season to remember – one that could redefine the club’s future and solidify its status as a rising force in English football. And for the players, particularly the likes of Eze and Wharton, it’s a platform to shine on the biggest stage and write their names into club folklore.
