Phil Foden, Declan Rice react to Wharton after baffling Crystal Palace incident
Adam Wharton took to social media to celebrate Crystal Palace’s FA Cup victory against Fulham, but the result could have been rather different because of him.
Despite Marco Silva‘s side largely dominating at Craven Cottage on Saturday, 29 March, Eberechi Eze opened the scoring for the Eagles before putting the ball on a plate for Ismaila Sarr to double the lead.
With Eddie Nketiah sealing the victory 15 minutes from time, the travelling fans could finally relax, but Palace’s fortunes could have changed drastically had they gone down to 10 men in the first half.
Already receiving a yellow card after just 14 minutes, Wharton appeared to kick out at Daniel Munoz, but no punishment was given to Palace, a decision which left Keith Hackett baffled.
He was taken off after 70 minutes, having walked a tightrope for much of the game, but that did not stop the England youth star from celebrating with the rest of his teammates.
Adam Wharton escapes sending off as Crystal Palace reach FA Cup semi-final
Taking to Instagram [29 March], Wharton, who has attracted interest from Man City, wrote: “Wembley awaits! Some performance from the boys. Palace fans… Wow, you were unbelievable”.
The midfielder’s post gained traction, earning likes from Man City’s Phil Foden and Arsenal’s Declan Rice, with teammate Ben Chilwell also showing his support on social media.
Oliver Glasner ready to win silverware at Selhurst Park
Football Insider verdict
Targeting success via the FA Cup, and even aiming for European qualification via the competition, makes far more sense than attempting to make one last push up the Premier League table.
Newcastle United, Bournemouth, Aston Villa, Man City and Chelsea are all sides fighting for a European finish in the league, making silverware a better chance of finding the same destination.
| Adam Wharton v Fulham | Stats, as per FotMob |
| Minutes played | 70 |
| Chances created | 1 |
| Passes into the final third | 4 |
| Successful dribbles | 100% (1/1) |
| Recoveries | 6 |
That truly would be a remarkable achievement for Glasner, who was under pressure of being sacked at Palace just a few months ago, but there has been an incredible shift in performances since.
His side are now unbeaten in five matches across all competitions, and with a spot secured in the FA Cup semi-finals, momentum could carry them towards a shiny piece of silverware.
It really would be an incredible transformation at Selhurst Park, going from relegation concerns to so much success, and Steve Parish has to be commended for sticking to his guns.