Eberechi Eze stunning, Adam Wharton dismal – Crystal Palace player ratings v Fulham
Crystal Palace kept their hopes of a first major trophy in their history alive with a 3-0 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage in the FA Cup quarter finals.
After a goalless opening half an hour in which Marco Silva‘s side were the better team, it was the visitors who took the lead just moments later on Saturday (29 March).
That opening goal came courtesy of Eberechi Eze, who found space just outside the Fulham area, before curling an excellent strike into the bottom far corner via the post.
Only four minutes later, Crystal Palace would double their advantage as Eze turned provider, when his cross was headed home by Ismaila Sarr at the near post.
Though Fulham pushed for a way back into the game after half time, it was the Eagles who got the all important third 15 minutes from time, when substitute Eddie Nketiah fired home to all but seal the win.
That was enough to seal a 3-0 win for Oliver Glasner’s side that ensures they will play at Wembley in the FA Cup semi-final next month.
Here is how Football Insider rated the performances of the Crystal Palace squad during their clash with Fulham.
Dean Henderson – 6
Despite the Fulham pressure the Crystal Palace goalkeeper rarely looked like being to stretched with the saves he had to make.
Chris Richards – 8
A towering presence at the back for Crystal Palace, winning a relentless string of headers in his own box to help keep Fulham at bay.
Maxence Lacroix – 7
Another solid showing in the centre of defence from the Frenchman, which also included some important clearances.
| Crystal Palace last five games | Result |
| Fulham (A) | Won 2-0 |
| Aston Villa (H) | Won 4-1 |
| Millwall (H) | Won 3-1 |
| Ipswich (H) | Won 1-0 |
| Fulham (A) | Won 3-0 |
Marc Guehi – 6
Put under pressure at times but on the whole he sood his ground well to help his side hold firm defensively.
Daniel Munoz – (off for Clyne, ’87) – 5
Munoz is one player Crystal Palace are fighting to keep ahead of the summer transfer window, but didn’t produce his best performance here with things not always working out as he looked to get forward.
Adam Wharton – (off for Kamada, ’70) – 4
Wharton is attracting interest from Man City, Man United and Tottenham, but picked up a booking early in the first half and was lucky not to get a second yellow for a kick out. His passing was also off compared to what it usually is.
Jefferson Lerma – 7
Eberechi Eze and Ismaila Sarr do the damage from attacking midfield
Unfortunate to see a stunning long-range volley come back off the crossbar with the score at 0-0, with this another solid performance in the centre of the park.
Tyrick Mitchell – 6
Got forward well to supply Eze for the opener, but had a much trickier time of things in the second half after the introduction of Adama Traore.
Ismaila Sarr (off for Devenny, ’88) – 8
A clever run and finish to score the all-important second for Crystal Palace, befor making an outstanding goalline clearance in the second half. More important contributions from a player who often goes under the radar.
Eberechi Eze (off for Franca, ’89) – 9 (Player of the Match)
Eze scored his first England goal in the win over Latvia earlier this week, and backed that up with a brilliant goal and assist to put his side well in control in the first half here.
Jean-Philippe Mateta (off for Nketiah, ’69) – 6
Mateta returned to the Crystal Palace side following his horror injury against Millwall in the last round, but was perhaps understandably quiet here after what he went through during his last appearance.
Jean-Philippe Mateta returns after Millwall injury
Substitutes
Eddie Nketiah (on for Mateta, ’69) – 7
A really well-taken finish from a tight angle to make it 3-0 shortly after coming on, in what will be a boost to his confidence after a tough first season at Crystal Palace.
Daichi Kamada (on for Wharton, ’70) – 6
Brought on to protect Wharton after his booking, the Japan international helped see things out and played Nketiah in for the third.
Nathaniel Clyne (on for Munoz, ’87) – 6
A nice moment for the long-term Crystal Palace man to be one the pitch as a place at Wembley was secured.
Justin Devenny (on for Sarr, ’87) – 6
Got a few minutes at the end as the game was seen out by his side.
Matheus Franca (on for Eze, ’89) – 6
Off the bench to give matchwinner Eze a rest in stoppage time.