Crystal Palace advanced to the FA Cup final for the first time in nine years with a 3-0 victory over Aston Villa at Wembley on Saturday, thanks to a brace from Ismaila Sarr and a powerful strike from Eberechi Eze.
Oliver Glasner’s team took the lead in the semi-final with Eze’s stunning long-range shot before Sarr added two more in the second half.
In the final on May 17, Palace will face either Nottingham Forest or Manchester City, who are set to compete in the second semi-final on Sunday.
The Eagles are still seeking their first FA Cup triumph, having lost in their two previous final appearances to Manchester United in 2016 and 1990. Villa, who last lifted the FA Cup in 1957, were aiming to reach the final for the first time since 2015.
However, Unai Emery’s squad delivered a disappointing performance and will need to focus on securing a top-five spot in the Premier League for Champions League qualification.
Jean-Philippe Mateta scored just before the half-hour mark, but the goal was disallowed following a VAR review that confirmed Mateta had fouled Ezri Konsa in the buildup.
There was no controversy surrounding Eze’s opening goal, as Sarr intercepted a pass from Pau Torres and collected the ball after a deflection in the Villa area. Sarr then set up Eze, who expertly curled a shot past Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Villa increased their intensity after halftime, with Henderson producing another impressive save to block John McGinn’s sharp volley, followed by Lucas Digne narrowly missing the target through a crowded area.
In the 53rd minute, Palace was awarded a penalty when Boubacar Kamara brought down Eze; Mateta took the penalty following a VAR check, but his shot hit the post and went wide.
Just as Villa began to build momentum, Adam Wharton intercepted a pass, and after a quick touch from Mateta, Sarr fired it into the bottom corner.
Henderson denied Villa substitute Leon Bailey with a strong save moments after Mateta intervened to stop Ross Barkley. Sarr headed Eze’s cross off target, while Matty Cash’s attempt to score for Villa sailed wide of the goal.
Sarr capped off Palace’s excellent performance in stoppage time, outpacing Konsa before slotting the ball home to secure the Eagles’ place in the final.
