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Crystal Palace’s Remarkable FA Cup Journey Amid Premier League Struggles
With Crystal Palace now firmly in the semi-finals of the FA Cup, it’s astonishing to reflect on the club’s journey through the season, particularly the struggles they faced at the start of their Premier League campaign, where their first victory did not arrive until late October.
Prior to that pivotal win against Tottenham in their ninth league match, the Eagles had managed to secure two victories in the Carabao Cup against lower-league teams. However, growing unrest had begun to loom over Selhurst Park as the pressure mounted.
Looking back, the challenges of the early season seem like a distant memory for fans and club officials alike. The recent 3-0 victory against Fulham not only showcased the team’s prowess on the pitch but also rekindled hopes for silverware as they anticipate their trip to Wembley. This achievement marks their return to the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time since 2022.
Despite a rich history dating back to 1861, Crystal Palace has yet to lift the FA Cup, having been runners-up in 1990 and again in 2016. However, the dream of claiming their first significant trophy remains alive as they approach the final stages of the tournament.
The transformation in the team’s performance this season can be credited to manager Oliver Glasner, under whose guidance Palace has emerged as a formidable force. Since the beginning of 2025, the Eagles have notched up ten wins across all competitions—second only to Liverpool’s eleven among Premier League clubs. Furthermore, they boast the highest number of clean sheets in this timeframe, with eight.
Glasner acknowledged that the onset of the season would be challenging, particularly after losing their star player, Michael Olise, to Bayern Munich. The team’s transition was further complicated by several players participating in international tournaments and the arrival of new signings late in the transfer window.
As these elements began to align, Glasner implemented a reliable 3-4-2-1 tactical formation that has brought organization and a newfound trajectory that the team is riding as the season draws to a close.
Impressively, Palace has recorded only two defeats in their last 15 matches, demonstrating resilience despite facing difficulties in their home fixtures, where they have won just three league games throughout the season.
The Eagles’ defensive trio, comprising Chris Richards, Maxence Lacroix, and Marc Guehi, stands out as one of the most formidable lineups in the Premier League, showcasing both strength and unity at the back as they aim for glory.
Source
www.bbc.com