Steve Parish poked fun at Wayne Rooney’s physique after Crystal Palace dispatched Aston Villa with clinical strikes from Eberechi Eze and Ismaila Sarr.
Crystal Palace booked their place in the FA Cup final with a convincing 3-0 win over Aston Villa at Wembley Stadium on Saturday. Midfielder Eberechi Eze, 26, and winger Ismaila Sarr, 27, each found the net as Oliver Glasner’s side asserted control from the first whistle. This victory ends Palace’s long wait for a major final appearance and sets the Eagles on course for their maiden FA Cup triumph next month.
Eze broke the deadlock in the 24th minute, composing himself inside the box before slotting home after a slick passing move. Sarr doubled the advantage in the 37th minute with a low drive across the goalkeeper and then wrapped up the win by calmly converting a penalty deep into first-half stoppage time. By full-time, Palace had outshot Villa 14–7 and kept a third consecutive clean sheet at Wembley this season.
With this result, Palace will face either Manchester City or Nottingham Forest in the final, scheduled for May 17, 2025, at Wembley. City, under Pep Guardiola, arrive as overwhelming favourites after securing their fourth Premier League title in five seasons. Forest, however, have shown cup pedigree by reaching two semi-finals in three years and will hope to upset the odds if they overcome City in Monday’s replay.
Amid the jubilation, chairman Steve Parish couldn’t resist a cheeky dig at former England captain Wayne Rooney, 39, who was reporting on the match. Parish pointed out that Rooney no longer sported the lean frame that tormented Palace in the last final, prompting roars of laughter from ex-players and commentators in the media suite.
Rooney’s memorable 2016 performance saw him earn the Man of the Match award after scoring the opening goal in a 2-1 extra-time win for Manchester United over Palace. His dominant midfield display and incisive passing left an indelible mark on Eagles supporters, who have long nursed the memory of that defeat.
The banter continued when the presenter reminded Parish that Palace had lost two FA Cup finals, one of which Rooney starred in. Parish quipped, “I’m glad to see he’s not in the kind of shape as then,” before adding, “I remember he was very gracious when he beat us.” Rooney, ever the sportsperson, simply smiled and replied, “I’m getting there.”
Beyond the laughs, Parish heaped praise on his squad’s collective performance. He lauded their defensive solidity and ruthless finishing, noting that recovering from the penalty miss earlier this season had shown the team’s mental strength. “Every player was outstanding,” he said, highlighting the group’s resolve under pressure.
Glasner, 60, also received high praise for instilling belief and positivity within the camp. Under his guidance, Palace have climbed to a solid top-half Premier League finish and now stand on the verge of a historic cup victory. Parish emphasized the coach’s unwavering faith and praised his tactical tweaks that unlocked Villa’s defence.
As supporters spilled onto Wembley’s terraces, scarves aloft and voices hoarse, the relief and excitement were palpable. For fans who have waited decades for silverware, this result rekindled dreams of European nights and domestic glory. The FA Cup run has galvanized the club and its followers, uniting them behind a shared ambition.
Looking ahead to the May 17 final, Parish urged calm confidence. “Never underestimate this team’s hunger,” he said. “We’ve written a new chapter in Crystal Palace’s story, and the best is yet to come.” With that belief driving them, the Eagles may finally soar to FA Cup glory.
