Eddie Nketiah scored a quickfire double as Crystal Palace marked their FA Cup triumph with a thrilling 4-2 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Tuesday, capping off their last home game of a historic season in style.
Fresh off their first-ever major trophy — a stunning win over Manchester City at Wembley just three days earlier — Palace returned to Selhurst Park in celebratory spirits. The atmosphere briefly dipped when Wolves took the lead in the 24th minute through Emmanuel Agbadou’s header, but it didn’t last long.
Nketiah, starting for the first time in months, seized his moment. The former Arsenal striker equalised three minutes later with a sharp finish from Romain Esse’s cutback, then netted again five minutes later by guiding home a low cross from Ismaila Sarr. The brace marked his first league goals in three months and his 50th senior career goal.
Ben Chilwell extended Palace’s lead early in the second half when his free kick deflected in off Agbadou. Wolves responded with a glancing header from Jorgen Strand Larsen, but the hosts maintained control.
Eberechi Eze, the FA Cup final hero, came off the bench in the 81st minute to put the game beyond doubt. After a dazzling solo run, he finished clinically to seal the win and ignite yet more celebrations in South London.
Veteran defender Joel Ward also had a fitting farewell, captaining Palace in his 364th and final appearance after 13 years with the club. “What a way to sign off. I couldn’t have written a better story and a better ending,” said the 35-year-old.
With the win, Palace moved to 52 points — their highest ever Premier League total — and confirmed European football next season via the Europa League. Manager Oliver Glasner’s revitalised side will close their remarkable campaign at Anfield against champions Liverpool on Sunday.
“We’re buzzing, we’re happy and it’s a massive day for us,” Nketiah said post-match. “The unity between the fans and the players is amazing — and it will be amazing to have European nights here.”
