‘We know what we want to do’ – Crystal Palace boss Glasner ready for FA Cup semi-final clash against Villa

24 April 2025 Richard Cawley

BY RICHARD CAWLEY
richard@slpmedia.co.uk

Crystal Palace head into Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final with the perfect pre-Wembley confidence booster after Jean-Philippe Mateta’s stunning strike earned a 2-2 draw at Arsenal on Wednesday night.

The French frontman’s 14th Premier League goal of the campaign will put a spring in the step of Oliver Glasner’s side as they gear up for facing Aston Villa at Wembley.

The Eagles have recorded two draws since shipping five goals at Manchester City and Newcastle earlier this month.

Eberechi Eze had drawn Palace level at the Emirates Stadium, meaning two of Palace’s talismanic players produced attacking returns.

Glasner – asked if the result against Champions League semi-finalists would help with preparations for Villa – said: “Of course, when you perform like this and are always creating chances this gives you confidence.

“I was told the size of the pitch is the same as here, so it should be the same – the grass should be green.

“It is a game that we want to win. We always want to compete with the best teams and show our performance.

“We know what we want to do. We have changed over a few things because we already watched them. It is also about finding the right tactics against their shape.

“If we perform at the same level and perform as a team then everything is possible. This is how we will walk into Wembley.”

Mateta has scored twice since suffering serious damage to his ear following a high challenge by Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts which required surgery.

The striker is still wearing protective headgear.

Mateta produced a deft lob of Arsenal keeper David Raya after William Saliba gifted him the ball on the edge of the box.

He told Sky Sports that it is one of the best goals of his career.

Mateta said: “I was scared when the ball hit the crossbar so I waited – I was happy when the ball went in.

“We had struggled for the last three games but we listened to the gaffer and today was a good game for us. We have confidence now and hopefully we win this semi-final.

“It’s a very good game for us and the fans, I can’t wait for Saturday.”