“The atmosphere is electric, the beats are lively, and everyone is ecstatic.”
Those were the remarks of Crystal Palace forward Eddie Nketiah after he netted his first Premier League goal for the club in their 4-1 triumph over Aston Villa at Selhurst Park on Tuesday.
Palace have changed course following a sluggish beginning to the campaign, securing just one victory in their opening 10 league fixtures, but have now suffered only three defeats in their last 15 matches.
They currently occupy 12th position in the Premier League standings, sitting merely eight points behind Manchester City in fifth, though having played one extra game.
“We recognize our ability to perform at a high level, and that’s exactly what we demonstrated today,” stated manager Oliver Glasner.
The dominant display against Villa felt like a pivotal moment, with several landmark achievements for members of the Crystal Palace squad.
English midfielder Adam Wharton earned his first league start since October following an injury, French striker Jean-Philippe Mateta found the net once more, England playmaker Eberechi Eze rediscovered his rhythm, and Nketiah celebrated his maiden goal for Palace in the Premier League since joining from Arsenal in the summer.
Meanwhile, Senegalese attacker Ismaila Sarr bagged two goals on his 27th birthday.
The Eagles now have an opportunity to advance to the FA Cup quarter-finals if they overcome London adversaries Millwall on Saturday, while also striving for a second consecutive top-half league finish.
“I believe we are all reaping the benefits, and the players are being rewarded for their dedication,” Glasner stated.
“We anticipated this, and I have mentioned multiple times that the beginning of the season would be somewhat turbulent. Pre-season wasn’t ideal, with several players arriving late. The crucial thing was remaining united and working diligently.
“I think now we are witnessing the improvement and growth of individual players, the tactical structure, and the team’s comprehension of how we need to approach games.
“One thing is theory, and another is implementing it on the field, and that’s something they’ve been executing exceptionally well in recent weeks and months.”
However, Glasner was quick to highlight that just 10 days earlier, he had been sitting in the same chair feeling dejected after a 2-1 home loss to Everton.
“It’s always about refining your football, building the team, and staying unified,” he said regarding his objectives. “That’s what we focus on, irrespective of the outcomes.”
Wharton and Mateta Steal the Spotlight
England head coach Thomas Tuchel was present for the encounter and would have been thrilled by midfielder Wharton’s impressive display.
The 21-year-old, who joined the Eagles in February last year, made such a remarkable impression in his debut season that he earned a place in England’s squad for the Euro 2024 final, after only three months of Premier League action.
Wharton played a crucial role in three of Palace’s goals on Tuesday, and his instinctive forward distribution stood out throughout the contest.
“We understand the strategy the manager has outlined, and if we adhere to the plan, we know we have a solid opportunity in every match,” Wharton stated.
Glasner remarked that Wharton “readjusted to the tempo of the Premier League remarkably fast after being sidelined for several months.”
His performance couldn’t have been better timed, with Tuchel preparing to announce his inaugural England squad next month.
One player who will relish Wharton’s reintegration and progressive passing is Mateta.
The French striker has netted eight Premier League goals in 2025—joint-most in the competition alongside Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah.
Mateta, who tallied 16 league goals last season, has accumulated 12 so far this campaign and is arguably the most transformed player under Glasner’s guidance.
He serves as the spearhead of the attack, and his significantly refined hold-up play allows teammates like Eze and Sarr to capitalize on forward movements.
With a top-10 finish within reach and a promising FA Cup journey ahead, optimism is soaring at Selhurst Park.
