Football: Crystal Palace 3 - 0 Aston Villa

A wonderful day for all Crystal Palace fans

Their team swept aside Aston Villa at Wembley to reach their first FA Cup since 2016

Author - Terry J

Eberechi Eze and Ismaila Sarr provided the decisive moments to overcome Aston Villa at Wembley.

Eze struck just after the half-hour mark, collecting the ball on the edge of the area before driving a fierce effort high beyond Emiliano Martínez. It was a goal of real quality, lifting a semi-final that had begun in cautious fashion.

Palace should have extended their lead before the break. Tyrick Mitchell miscued in front of an open goal, while Jean-Philippe Mateta saw his penalty clip the outside of the post following a clumsy Villa challenge.

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Despite the missed chances, Palace continued to play with attacking intent and doubled their advantage before the hour. Sarr advanced with purpose and unleashed a low shot from 22 yards, beating Martínez at full stretch.

Villa created chances of their own, with Dean Henderson producing fine saves to deny John McGinn and Lucas Digne. The pressure grew, but Palace's defence held firm under sustained spells of possession.

In stoppage time, Sarr struck again, breaking clear and finishing calmly to confirm Palace's place in the final. It was a performance of composure and cutting edge, delivering a result that will live long in the memory for supporters.

The best reaction to a display that has taken the club to the cusp of glory.

What can you say about that performance that truly does it justice? A display that has taken the club to the cusp of glory.

This is a special group. Not just on the pitch, but across the entire club, from the management team to everyone working behind the scenes to make this possible.

The players exceeded all expectations. But it was Oliver Glasner’s bold decision to start the Daichi Kamada ahead of Will Hughes and Jefferson Lerma that proved inspired. The Japanese international thrived under the faith shown in him by his manager.

Credit must go to every single player who made this happen. They stepped onto that Wembley pitch, stuck to the plan and seized their chances with composure. The missed penalty might have unsettled most in such a high-stakes game, but not Jean-Philippe Mateta. He took a moment, refocused and carried on undeterred.

Ismaila Sarr was the deserved man of the match, delivering a performance that eclipsed even his standout display at Brighton, with two goals and an assist.

And a final word for the fans. The Holmesdale Fanatics set the tone with a stunning pre-match display, as they so often do. From the first whistle, the support was unwavering. The travelling Palace supporters needed no prompting. They were relentless, proud, and a true credit to our club