Just over 72 hours after winning the FA Cup, Palace emerged victorious in a thrilling six-goal match to create a new Premier League points record, capping an incredible 100th anniversary season and saying goodbye to one of its favorite sons, Joel Ward.
With a thrilling 4-2 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, Crystal Palace celebrated their FA Cup victory with two goals from Eddie Nketiah.
Ward received the captain’s armband and his first Premier League start of the season in his farewell home game at Selhurst Park, marking his 364th Crystal Palace appearance—roughly 13 years after his debut.
Halfway through the first half, Wolves took the lead thanks to a goal from Emmanuel Agbadou. But it roused the home team, and Nketiah’s two goals in five minutes in the first half changed the course of the game.
Shortly after halftime, Chelsea loanee Ben Chilwell’s deflected free-kick put Wolves up 3-1, but Jorgen Strand Larsen’s header in the 62nd minute gave them hope again.
However, Palace’s Wembley hero Eberechi Eze scored a crucial fourth goal off the bench to push the Eagles over the 50-point milestone for the first time in their Premier League history. Wolves are in 14th place, and they remain in 12th place.
“We talked about it before and we didn’t know what we would see and what we would get, so credit to the players,” Palace coach Oliver Glasner said. We played with a lot of intensity, which is difficult after such a significant accomplishment. They once again shown that they are a remarkable and amazing bunch. Everyone has contributed to the victory, and we have faith in each and every player.”
“We cannot compete at this level if we give them gifts, and in my opinion, they were four gifts,” Wolves manager Vitor Pereira said. Until the very last minute, we need to remain focused. We have to always perform at our highest level.