‘It’s all about moments’ – the goals Palace fans will never forget

Should the FA Cup semi-finals take place at Wembley?

The national stadium was the ideal setting for three of Crystal Palace’s best goals, which would have been their first major trophy, to reach the final.

The Eagles took on Aston Villa when Eberechi Eze rifled a magnificent drive past World Cup champion Emiliano Martinez from the edge of the penalty area.

After half-time, Ismaila Sarr doubled the lead with a low shot that he fired from outside the box, before the Senegalese forward raced clear to beat Martinez to make it 3-0.

After that, Palace captain Marc Guehi said, “It’s all about moments,” and these three outstanding moments are deserving of winning any game.

Micah Richards, a former England defender, shared those sentiments on BBC One.

“Football is all about moments, and Crystal Palace stepped up in the big moments,” Richards said.

“Palace turned up with their chest out.”

After selling Joachim Andersen to Fulham for £30 million last summer, Palace went on to win just once in their first eight league games.

However, they will make their way to the FA Cup final and will finish the campaign with a 13th successive Premier League season with some relief.

Eze has scored just three Premier League goals this season, but none more impressive than his performance in this one.

Former England international Alan Shearer remarked, “What a strike, 23 yards out and into the roof of the net.” What a conclusion, indeed. That finish is exceptional.

Oliver Glasner, the palace manager, had already witnessed it all: “They always finish from the edge of the box in training.

In the second half, Jean-Philippe Mateta had a fantastic chance to give the Eagles a 2-0 lead from the spot, but his penalty fell to the post and hit the post.

Sarr, however, made sure the miss wasn’t too costly.

The Senegalese international arrowed a brilliant long-range strike into the bottom left corner after Adam Wharton had taken control back in midfield.

Shearer noted in his commentary that “Ismaila Sarr played his part with the assist in the first half.” Fantastic after Adam Wharton’s final pass, and Ismaila Sarr is given an invitation to play in goal.

Villa was once more outshot by Palace’s excellent pressing as they searched for a late goal to keep the game going.

Eddie Nketiah, a substitute, won the ball back for the Eagles this time, before releasing Sarr to deliver a brutal pass past Martinez.

Shearer attributed the pressure Palace put on Aston Villa, “because they were caught on the ball.”

The Palace fans roared in celebration at the final whistle, which came soon after.

After the Eagles’ dressing room scene, Glasner was asked to describe it fully and the Austrian mentioned that the players were frequently dancing.

I danced, did I? No”, he said. It’s probably best to avoid dancing because this is a great moment, but when I start dancing, I ruin it.

Should Wembley also be used in FA Cup semi-finals?