Crystal Palace produced a stunning performance to defeat Fulham at Craven Cottage and secure their spot in the semi-finals of the FA Cup. This victory marked their fifth consecutive win in all competitions, showcasing their current form and determination in the competition.
In the initial stages of the match, Fulham seemed to be in control, dominating possession and creating chances. However, they failed to capitalize on their opportunities, with Rodrigo Muniz coming closest to breaking the deadlock for the home side. Despite their early pressure, it was Crystal Palace who took the lead against the run of play in the 34th minute through Eberechi Eze.
Eze, who recently scored his first goal for England, produced a moment of brilliance as he cut in from the left and curled a precise shot into the bottom corner, leaving the Fulham goalkeeper helpless. The goal gave Palace a crucial advantage and shifted the momentum in their favor. The Eagles extended their lead in the second half when Eze’s cross was met by Ismaila Sarr, who headed the ball in at the near post to make it 2-0.
Fulham tried to mount a comeback, with Willian forcing a save from the Palace goalkeeper. However, their efforts were in vain as Eddie Nketiah sealed the victory for Palace with a composed finish, slotting the ball through the legs of the Fulham goalkeeper. The result means that Crystal Palace have progressed to the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time since 2022, marking a significant achievement for the club.
Overall, it was a memorable performance from Crystal Palace, who showcased their resilience and quality against a strong Fulham side. The win not only extends their impressive winning streak but also demonstrates their ambition in the FA Cup. With the semi-finals on the horizon, Palace will be looking to continue their momentum and push for silverware in the prestigious competition.
