‘I don’t feel happiness’ – Crystal Palace boss says FA Cup win vs Millwall was overshadowed by Mateta injury
Oliver Glasner says Crystal Palace’s 3-1 FA Cup win over Millwall was overshadowed by Liam Roberts’ red card challenge on Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Millwall were reduced to 10 men after eight minutes when cup goalkeeper Roberts challenged Mateta outside of the box with a high boot.
Referee Michael Oliver was sent to the VAR screen and sent Roberts off with a straight red, with Mateta needing to be stretchered off after receiving treatment.
His replacement Eddie Nketih put the ball in the back of the net moments after coming on, but the goal was ruled out for a handball during the build-up.
Ben Chilwell had the chance to open his Palace account after 30 minutes when Will Hughes played the Chelsea loanee through on goal, but substitute goalie Lukas Jensen made a smart stop.
The Eagles took the deserved lead three minutes later when Hughes whipped a cross back towards goal and Japhet Tanganga turned the ball into his own net.
Daniel Munoz added a second with five minutes of the first half remaining when Billy Mitchell cleared the ball into Tanganga, with the ball falling to Munoz who was right in front of goal to score.
Wes Harding pulled one back before half-time when Femi Azeez broke past Chris Richards and crossed for Matt Turner to push the ball back into a crowd of bodies. The Lions defender slammed home a shot to half the deficit.
Despite Millwall regaining control in the game after a switch to the back five, Palace booked their place in the quarter-finals after Chris Richards’ header back across goal was met by Eddie Nketiah, who looped the ball over Jensen.
The Premier League side have now reached the FA Cup quarter-finals in three of their last seven seasons.
“I hope you can understand that it’s tough for me to talk about the game,” said Glasner.
“It’s hard for me to talk about the tactical side of things.
“It was not a great performance. The first 55 minutes was a very good performance – we controlled the game, scored two goals and created chances.
“The second half was more open – we struggled with long balls.
“Eddie decided the game with an amazing header.
“I expected a strong Millwall side who were physical and with long balls.
“We wanted to go to the quarter-finals, which we achieved.
“I don’t feel happiness today. There is sadness and doubt about how serious JP’s injury is.
“My fingers are crossed that he can play in the quarter-finals. That is in four weeks, so we all hope it’s not that serious.”
PICTURE: ALAMY