Oliver Glasner on ‘an unbelievable performance’ after Crystal Palace reach FA Cup Final | OneFootball

Oliver Glasner has praised his Crystal Palace players’ performance after defeating Aston Villa 3-0 to reach the FA Cup Final.

Eberechi Eze’s first half strike put Palace in front in the 31st minute before Ismaila Sarr scored a second half double to send the Eagles to their first FA Cup Final since 2016.

Aston Villa were without Marcus Rashford due to a hamstring injury, but Glasner’s side were imperious against Unai Emery’s men, who even missed a penalty in the second half through Jean-Philippe Mateta.

When asked to sum up the game, Glasner was proud of the way his side dealt with the opposition to book their place at Wembley:

“All the credit to the players,” Glasner said. “They had to work so hard. They had to overcome a few difficult moments. We got more control and it was an unbelievable performance today. The players stuck to the plan and we never lost our heads.

“We had to do smaller adjustments. Today, Villa played with the front four. A very narrow four and they always try to pass to their sixes.

“We said our three attackers, they had to control their two sixes and two centre-halves. The first goal was about winning the ball and second goal was unbelievable counter-press from Adam Wharton. The players did excellent.

“I spoke to the chairman [Steve Parish] a few weeks ago and if our start of the season had worked I would get three months off this summer and then come back one week before the start of the Premier League!

“The most important thing is everyone stayed calm in the club. The team, such great guys and they always believed in us and have always had a great togetherness.”