Adam Wharton sends three-word message to Eberechi Eze after what he did for Crystal Palace
Eberechi Eze's contribution to Crystal Palace's 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest underlined why he's so highly thought of at Selhurst Park.
Palace's late-season push for a potential European place via Premier League qualification came to a subdued end on Monday, after Champions League contenders Forest came back to share the points.
Oliver Glasner's side were on top in the first half without success and finally took the lead on the hour mark through Eze's penalty, but this lasted just four minutes as Murillo steered home Forest's equaliser.
The Eagles remain in contention to reach Europe for the first time since 1973 next season, but in order to do so, they'll need to beat Man City in the FA Cup Final and win the first major silverware in their history.
Eberechi Eze almost drags Crystal Palace over the line
Palace's lead from the penalty spot – which came after Tyrick Mitchell was taken out by Forest keeper Matz Sels in the box – may have been short lived, but Eze was still capable of being the game-changer.
The England playmaker's half-volley from 25 yards rattled the crossbar in the 89th minute with the best opportunity for either side to find a winner; yet another display of the Palace number 10's sheer quality.
| Season | Appearances | Starts | Goals | Assists | Yellow/Red Cards |
| 2022–23 | 40 | 30 | 10 | 4 | 3 |
| 2023–24 | 31 | 26 | 11 | 6 | 4 |
| 2024–25 | 39 | 37 | 10 | 11 | 1 |
Eze's composed opener into the bottom-left corner made it three straight seasons in which he's scored 10 or more goals in all competitions for Palace, with five in the Premier League and a further 11 assists.
After the Eagles' draw with Forest, Eze posted on Instagram (6 May) with the message, "God's ting", to which Palace and England team-mate Adam Wharton commented; "Never in doubt" after his penalty.
Crystal Palace braced for Eberechi Eze transfer bids
Eze's form across the last three seasons and beyond certainly hasn't gone unnoticed by Premier League big-hitters, and after they sold Michael Olise last summer, Palace could be set for another seismic exit.
Arsenal are extremely keen on Eze and ready to trigger his £60million release clause this summer, and Palace will be well aware that the Gunners are one of a number of clubs able to pay that record fee.
Another Champions League contender in Aston Villa are also hopeful they can weigh in with an offer to test Palace's resolve, and with Newcastle, Man United and Tottenham all set to sniff around too,