Crystal Palace cruised past Fulham with a 3-0 win, thanks to Eze’s standout performance. Dive into the match details and FA Cup Semi-Final implications.
Introduction:
Crystal Palace delivered a stunning performance at Craven Cottage, securing a 3-0 victory over Fulham to book their place in the Emirates FA Cup semi-finals. A moment of brilliance from Eberechi Eze opened the scoring before he turned provider for Ismaila Sarr just minutes later. Substitute Eddie Nketiah sealed the win in the second half, sending Palace to Wembley Stadium and keeping their dream of lifting the FA Cup for the first time alive.
A Fierce Start Under the London Sun
With just four places separating the two sides in the Premier League, the match promised to be a tightly contested affair. Fulham started strongly, nearly taking the lead through Rodrigo Muniz, who burst into the box and curled his effort just wide of the far post.
Palace, however, quickly settled into their rhythm and began to threaten from set pieces. Jefferson Lerma’s long throw-ins and a goalmouth scramble kept Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno on high alert. See also: Nico O Reilly Double Fires Man City Past Plymouth
At the other end, Calvin Bassey surged forward, cutting the ball back for Andreas Pereira, whose shot drifted inches wide—a missed opportunity that Fulham would soon regret.
Eze’s Magic Changes the Game
Palace’s breakthrough came stunningly just after the half-hour mark. Eberechi Eze picked up possession outside the box, cutting inside onto his right foot before curling a perfect shot into the bottom corner off the inside of the post. The goal capped off a brilliant week for Eze, who had also scored for England against Latvia just days earlier. Fulham were rocked—and things only got worse for the home side.
Sarr Doubles the Lead in Quick Succession
Before Fulham could regroup, Palace struck again. Eze turned provider, whipping in a pinpoint cross with his left foot. Ismaila Sarr rose above the defense, nodding the ball past a helpless Bernd Leno.
In the space of four minutes, Palace had turned the match in their favor, leaving Fulham stunned. Fulham tried to respond before halftime, but Antonee Robinson’s weak shot was comfortably saved by Dean Henderson.
Fulham Push, But Palace Stand Firm
The second half saw Fulham press forward, desperate to find a way back into the game. They forced a flurry of corners, testing Palace’s defense. Willian’s deflected shot forced a save from Henderson from a similar position to where Eze had scored. From the resulting corner, Bassey had a golden chance to halve the deficit, but Sarr produced a crucial block. Despite Fulham’s efforts, Palace remained organized, absorbing the pressure and waiting for their chance to strike again.
Nketiah Puts the Game to Bed
Any hopes of a Fulham comeback were completely dashed in the 75th minute. Substitute Eddie Nketiah found himself in space inside the box. He calmly slotted the ball through Leno’s legs, making it 3-0 and sparking wild celebrations from the traveling Palace fans in the Putney End. As the final minutes ticked away, Palace continued to control the game. Daniel Muñoz saw a late effort blocked, while Sarr forced another save from Leno.
With a commanding lead, Palace comfortably saw out the game, booking their place in the FA Cup semi-finals for the second time in four seasons.
Palace’s FA Cup Dream is Alive
This performance was a statement of intent from Palace, who outclassed Fulham in every department. Eze was the standout performer, showcasing his creativity, vision, and finishing ability. Sarr and Nketiah added the finishing touches, proving Palace’s attacking depth.
Dean Henderson kept another clean sheet, demonstrating Palace’s defensive resilience. With this win, Palace fans can dare to dream. The club has never won the FA Cup, but with momentum on their side, could this be the year they make history?
Player of the Match: Eberechi Eze
“Eze was simply unplayable today. His goal was pure class, and his assist for Sarr was just as impressive. He dictated the tempo, creating chances and making the difference when it mattered most.” With his skill, confidence, and ability to step up in big moments, Eze proved why he is one of the most exciting talents in English football.
Key Takeaways from Palace’s Win
1. Eze’s Brilliance Can Take Palace Far: Eze’s match-winning performance showed he can be the driving force in Palace’s FA Cup run.
2. Palace’s Defense Stood Strong: Fulham had their moments, but Palace’s well-organized defense and Henderson’s safe hands ensured a clean sheet.
3. Clinical Finishing Made the Difference: While Fulham wasted their early chances, Palace took theirs ruthlessly, sealing the win before the hour mark.
4. Oliver Glasner’s Tactical Masterclass: Palace executed their game plan to perfection, controlling the tempo and punishing Fulham’s mistakes.
5. Wembley Awaits – Can Palace Go All the Way? With momentum on their side, Palace will head to Wembley full of belief. Could they finally lift the FA Cup for the first time?
Palace’s Wembley Dream Takes Flight
A dominant performance and a well-deserved semi-final spot—Crystal Palace proved they belong on the big stage. With Wembley now in sight, Palace fans will be dreaming of a historic FA Cup triumph. Can they go all the way? Time will tell—but on this form, they’re a team to watch.