Crystal Palace

Alex Pewter
Fan writer

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This week has the potential to be historic or heart-breaking.

As I have alluded to on multiple occasions across multiple seasons, this club has an emotional attachment to the FA Cup. It is an unfulfilled dream to lift that trophy, one not unique to the team from Selhurst Park.

There's a black-and-white photograph of Southampton's 1976 FA winners hanging on the wall in the press room at St Mary's that I spotted at the match at the start of this month. It may be nondescript to many who pass it, but it has meaning to Palace fans, not just because Mel Blyth is recognisable among their number.

That year was the first major cup run and FA semi-final for the club, during which Crystal Palace seemed like a team of destiny. Ultimately they fell short to the eventual winners from Hampshire, a step away from Wembley.

For Southampton, that is their greatest success. For Palace, it is one that got away.

The morning before the quarter-final at Fulham, I spoke to a fellow supporter, who recounted travelling to each of those matches with his father. A cup run to spark a lifetime addiction, witnessing a journey to the team's first semi-final, now of five.

For others, the 1990 run to the final holds a similar sentiment, with Ian Wright's heroics against Manchester United being that unfulfilled moment. To a younger generation still, it is the three minutes where Jason Puncheon's goal led the 2016 final.

This week, there was a temptation to write about the team's recent defensive frailty and how the 0-0 draw with 10 men against Bournemouth impacted our thinking before the midweek game at Arsenal.

However, this is the week leading into the FA Cup semi-final, the round where it feels like you are finally at the dance, whether you believe in neutral venues or the Wembley spectacle.

Local fans, expatriates, and international fans alike will congregate in north-west London for a chance to compete for the big prize in May. Regular service can resume next week, but for now, it is all about Aston Villa on Saturday, regardless of the odds.

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Chris Wise
BBC MOTD commentator

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Speaking to Oliver Glasner for BBC MOTD after the goalless draw with Bournemouth, I got the sense that he is very much looking forward to the week ahead for Crystal Palace. There was even a little smile that appeared on his face when the words 'FA Cup semi final' were mentioned.

But beforehand, it's Arsenal at Emirates Stadium on the Wednesday night, then Wembley on the Saturday. Less than 72 hours between those two games for Palace.

Glasner is not one for rotation. He tends to play the strongest side available, even if it stretches some of his squad to their capacity. That's what makes this week so interesting though. Palace would be foolish not to put most - if not all - their eggs in the FA Cup basket. The potential to finally get their hands on that trophy has scarcely felt as real as it does in 2025.

So what does Glasner do for the Arsenal game? Make wholesale changes? Tinker slightly? Trust that three days is enough for his squad to fully recover? He said after the game at the weekend that they will not be going to the Emirates 'waving the white flag'.

I think most Palace fans would accept if Glasner's team selection looked a little 'different' against Arsenal. The more pressing question is whether that's something Glasner himself would accept.

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We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Crystal Palace and Bournemouth.

Here are some of your comments:

Crystal Palace fans

Rob: After a sluggish first half, we were ironically better with only 10 players in the second. Dug in and defended well while occasionally threatening in attack. The players clearly have the FA Cup semi-final on their minds - a definite drop in intensity in the league recently.

Trevor: A hard-fought point and a clean sheet is a big improvement. It might have been more if it hadn't been for ridiculous refereeing errors, but there wasn't enough ambition up front even in the first half. We need to up our game for the next couple of games or our season will fizzle out all too quickly. VAR needs to look at two yellows. No complaints for the two reds against Brighton but both of the yellows Richards received today were ridiculous and both Alex Scott and Tyler Adams should have had two yellows each.

Paul: Not sure how a game like this ended up with so many cards? Not really any bad fouls as such and a very harsh red for Richards. Good point and a much-needed clean sheet.

Bournemouth fans

Merlin: Disappointed that we couldn't snatch a win as they played with 10 men for 45 minutes. However we're still in a Europe position and we will be fighting for that Conference League spot. There is still hope!

Patrick: We've lost our mojo. I'd like to see more deep crosses into the box and more shots at goal from outside the box. It's boring and frustrating to watch. Come on lads we're better than this.

Matthew: An absolute non-event, other than the sending off and flurry of cards. The referee was far too trigger-happy early on. I feel we would have coped better against 11, -t least that would have given us the opportunities to counter that we thrive on. We can bounce back by securing the double over Manchester United.

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Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner, speaking to BBC MOTD: "I was absolutely pleased with this point especially the way the game was going and conceding 10 goals in the previous two games. To have to play for 50 minutes with one player less, it's a great clean sheet."

On Chris Richards' red card: "For me it's how you lead the game and consistency. It's either two red cards - one for Chris Richards and one for Alex Scott. Or it's no red cards at all. When you don't show a second yellow for Scott, you don't show a second yellow for Richards. This is what I felt and everyone felt in the stadium. But you have to deal with the situation and it was a great team effort in the game."

On facing Arsenal on Wednesday and then an FA Cup semi-final next weekend: "I didn't think about the Arsenal game until now. It's clear Chris Richards will not be available [against Arsenal] but we will be ready. It's not the easiest game away but we will go there like always - don't present them with three points waving the white flag. We'll have a competitive team at the Emirates and three days later at Wembley."

Matthew Howarth
BBC Sport journalist

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Crystal Palace's hopes of responding to recent heavy defeats at Manchester City and Newcastle were dealt a blow when defender Chris Richards was sent off for a second bookable offence in first-half stoppage time.

The Eagles were incensed at the decision, particularly as referee Sam Barratt had opted against dismissing Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott for a similar infringement a mere 10 minutes earlier.

Scott's half-time substitution suggests Cherries boss Andoni Iraola also felt the former Bristol City player was a little fortunate to still be on the pitch.

Palace manager Oliver Glasner had watched his side concede 10 goals in their past two games, but they restricted Bournemouth to half-chances in a resolute defensive showing after the break.

They were not without their chances at the other end either. Maxence Lacroix was inches away from getting on the end of Will Hughes' teasing free-kick five minutes after half-time, while Ilia Zabarnyi sent an attempted clearance over his own crossbar from a corner.

Evanilson steered a header narrowly wide from Adam Smith's cross, but that was the closest the visitors came to a breakthrough as Palace held on for a hard-fought point.

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Only Arsenal (five) have received more red cards in the Premier League this season than Crystal Palace (four) while it is the Eagles' joint-most sending offs across a single campaign in the competition (alongside 2014-15).

Were you at the game or following elsewhere?

Have your say on Crystal Palace's performance

What did you make of Bournemouth's display?

Come back to this page on Monday to find a selection of your replies

Five matches make up Saturday's Premier League action and BBC Sport will bring you every kick.

• Brentford v Brighton

• Crystal Palace v Bournemouth

• Everton v Manchester City

• West Ham v Southampton

• Aston Villa v Newcastle (17:30 BST)

All kick-off times 15:00 BST unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

I was at St James' Park on Wednesday and Newcastle were brilliant in their 5-0 win over Crystal Palace, especially on the break.

The Eagles should really have levelled after going 1-0 down, but Eberechi Eze made a mess of his penalty and the game was over by half-time.

It has been a bad week for Palace, who also conceded five goals against Manchester City on Saturday, and how can I back them after they have shipped 10 goals in two games?

I am not exactly convinced by Bournemouth either, though. They ended a poor run by beating Fulham on Monday but they have looked a little tired of late, and don't have as much firepower as Newcastle or Manchester City.

My concern about Palace is how passive they looked against the Magpies. They need a response to that poor performance, and I think we might get one from them at Selhurst Park. Surely Eze can't play as badly again.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Bournemouth (kick-off 15:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Glasner has confirmed that all the players are fit and available for selection ahead of the visit from Bournemouth.

• On having momentum: "The approach will be the same. We will go tomorrow and try to win the game against Bournemouth but having huge respect for their performances."

• Glasner stated that his side isn't "pleased" after conceding 10 goals in two games but insisted that they were praised not too long ago for having six consecutive clean sheets. He did admit that they made mistakes but isn't looking to "make a drama of it".

• The Palace boss was asked if losing 5-2 and 5-0 in consecutive games has shaken his belief, replying: "No, I think we are realistic. City and Newcastle have much more (resources) than we have but this is what we know. Over the season we're not competitors with these teams. But with the others around us - Brentford, Bournemouth, Fulham, Brighton - and there are two huge teams behind us, Manchester United and Tottenham, it shows the strength of the Premier League, and of our players. We still have a big chance to play the best season in Crystal Palace's history."

• Glasner was asked about his messaging to his players after the results and said: "It always has to be authentic. I can never show them something that doesn't happen. But we had good moments, and I showed them. It's how I work. When you have many wins, then you can be critical because they have a lot of confidence. Then when you lose a game you be more positive because they are down. It's being supportive and showing them they don't have to lose their belief."

• On Munoz signing a new deal: "No surprise for me. Daniel has had a great impact since he arrived. His availability, mentality and quality is so important for us and that is why I am really delighted the club did everything to extend his contract."

• Glasner praised the "amazing job" Andoni Iraola is doing at Bournemouth, stating the Cherries are direct and play with "a lot of confidence".

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

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Defender Daniel Munoz has extended his contract with Crystal Palace until the summer of 2028.

The 28-year-old signed from Belgian side Genk in January 2024 and has quickly established himself as a key figure in Oliver Glasner's side, making 54 appearances and registering six goals and 10 assists.

Palace Chairman Steve Parish said: "This is fantastic news for Crystal Palace. Daniel is the epitome of an excellent professional, giving his all in every match and training session.

"He has made a great impact since arriving in south London last year, and I am delighted that he has chosen to commit his future to the club."

Colombia international Munoz added: "From day one, I felt the energy on the field at Selhurst Park - now, it's my home."

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Bournemouth are winless in their past 10 Premier League games in London, since a 2-0 win at Crystal Palace in December 2023.

Each of their past four games in the capital have all ended 2-2 in draws against Fulham, Chelsea, Tottenham and West Ham this season.

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On the surface, Crystal Palace's 5-0 defeat by Newcastle at St James' Park on Wednesday was as comprehensive as Premier League defeats get.

However, the stats tell a slightly different story.

The match momentum below shows the Eagles more than matched their opponents in terms of threat and were frequently the team more likely to score.

Palace recorded an expected goals (xG) of 2 compared to Newcastle's 1.39 - inflated by Eberechi Eze's first-half penalty miss - and had 28 touches in the Magpies' penalty area compared to their opponents' 17.

However, whereas the hosts were at their clinical best - particularly in the first half - Palace stuttered in front of goal and conceded five for the second game in a row.

The Eagles have an FA Cup semi-final to look forward to later this month and retain slight hopes of qualifying for Europe. But while they are still offering a threat in front of goal, Oliver Glasner will need his defence to tighten up for a strong ending to the season.

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We asked for your thoughts on Wednesday night's Premier League game between Newcastle and Crystal Palace.

Here are some of your comments:

Newcastle fans:

Fraser: Brilliant performance and good to see goals coming from different players. Tonali is on another level. Newcastle have tightened up their defence and it's noticeable how much they have improved, it feels like they can beat anyone at the moment.

Chris: Incredible performance. Jacob Murphy playing his way into Tuchel's plans, surely there isn't a better winger in form at the moment. And just another world class performance from a team riding on the crest of a wave. Well done lads, you've done the gaffer proud!

James: What a difference a trophy makes. The fact we can score nine goals in two games without even needing one of our best attackers in Anthony Gordon - and without our manager on the touchline to boot - just shows how high the confidence is on Tyneside at the moment.

Even Isak doesn't look on top of his game since Wembley, but he's giving Barnes and Murphy the chance to shine and boy they're taking it. Trophy in the bag, third in the table and in the driving seat for Champions League football next season? We're pinching ourselves!

Paul: Murphy and Barnes, otherwise mediocre squad players, are currently epitomising what confidence does to a player's form. Murphy suddenly being touted for England and Barnes making it tough for Gordon to just breeze back in to the first team fold. I think the fact Newcastle have stuck by and developed so many 'legacy' players from the Ashley era is credit to Eddie Howe and his staff's ability to get the very best out of players.

Crystal Palace fans:

Bill: We've been found out. One or two players reading their own press and believing it. Minds might be on the cup but they can forget that. Usual finish between 10th and 15th so another 'groundhog' season.

Peter: Our worst performance in months!!

Conceded 10 goals in two games now, as soon as Eze had the penalty saved (which was terrible by the way) we had no confidence as a team and it showed in and out of possession. There were so many mistakes and errors, it wasn't easy to watch.

I love what Glasner has done with the squad and the style of play but a bad day at the office today. I just really hope he stays with us for next season.

Kevin: Diabolical performance! Like we're a team of strangers all of a sudden! From being one of the meanest defences to ship 10 goals in two games is nothing short of a disgrace. The fans who went up to Newcastle should be refunded! Thank God we're safe from relegation - our only saving grace.

Steve: The run-in to the end of the season was always going to be difficult. But, this and the City result show clearly where Palace sit in the Premier League. Newcastle were stronger, quicker to the ball and brutally efficient in front of goal. Glasner has achieved a lot with this group of players, but these two results cry out for more quality. Perhaps, it is time to play Esse, Franca and Devenny at the expense of the more established first team players. If not now, when?

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Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "I think Newcastle were excellent and have showed this in the last few weeks.

"We couldn't deal with their intensity and directness and pace. When we had the situation to get into the game it didn't work. There are some days where nothing works, and at the same time everything worked for Newcastle.

"Sometimes it's better to not be too analytical and you have to just throw it in the bin. This is what we'll do today.

"We can analyse all the goals, but if you make mistakes on top it's difficult in a game against Newcastle, especially when their shape is so good.

"Sometimes you don't have the right answer. We've changed nothing but things aren't working anymore. We have to be very honest. We're Crystal Palace and if we don't perform at our top level, Newcastle and Manchester City are better than us.

"We wanted to at least draw the second half but we didn't achieve it. This influences the next games. We were a bit better. Again, it doesn't help. We don't get any points from this game.

"Maybe it's good for us getting one step back. Now we'll focus on the basics and remember what made us so strong. Now is not the time to point fingers. We'll just look in the mirror and I'll see what I can change a little bit."

Adwaidh Rajan
BBC Sport journalist

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Crystal Palace were left with a feeling of what could have been after their 5-0 defeat by Newcastle United at St James' Park on Wednesday.

After Jacob Murphy's opener for the hosts, the Eagles were handed an opportunity to find their way back when Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope conceded a penalty after fouling Chris Richards in the box.

Eberechi Eze stepped up to take it but his tame penalty proved an easy stop for Pope before Newcastle doubled their advantage only two minutes later.

There was no stopping the Magpies from then on as goals from Harvey Barnes, Fabian Schar and Alexander Isak dealt a blow to Palace's bid to play in Europe.

Oliver Glasner's side conceded five goals again after a 5-2 loss at Manchester City and it will be frustrating for the Eagles they failed to score despite generating an expected goals (xG) of 2 while Newcastle netted five times with an xG of 1.39.

They remain 12th in the Premier League table with 43 points - five points off eighth-placed Bournemouth and 11 behind Chelsea and Aston Villa, who sit sixth and seventh.

With a top-seven finish looking increasingly unlikely, their most realistic route to a place in the Europa League is through the FA Cup, where they face Aston Villa in the semi-final at Wembley Stadium on 26 April.

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Marc Guehi has scored an own goal in both games against Newcastle in the Premier League this season - just the second time a player has netted one home and away against an opponent in a single campaign (after Jamie Carragher v Tottenham Hotspur in 1998-99).

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has suffered his joint-heaviest defeat in his managerial career, with this game just the second time one of his sides have conceded five or more goals away from home – after his Eintracht Frankfurt side did so v Borussia Dortmund in August 2021 (lost 5-2).