Eagles Soar to FA Cup Final with Thrilling Victory

Strategic Insights -

Aston Villa's 36,000 fans were left disappointed as Palace took their season to new heights with a resounding 3-0 win in the semi-finals, sending the Eagles to their third FA Cup Final. Ismaila Sarr conjured up three sensational goals, including two late strikes, to seal the victory. Palace's success marked a turning point in their season, with the team demonstrating a never-say-die spirit that will serve them well in the cup final.

Key Takeaways:

  • Palace defeated Aston Villa 3-0 in the FA Cup semi-finals, sending them to their third FA Cup Final.
  • Ismaila Sarr was directly involved in three goals, setting up the first goal and scoring two himself.
  • Palace's win marked a significant turnaround in their season, with the team showing a remarkable spirit and determination.
  • The Eagles' victory marked their 10th clean sheet in all competitions in 2025, the most of any Premier League side since the turn of the year.
  • Villa have now lost seven of their last nine games at Wembley in all competitions (W2) and have lost three of their last six games in all competitions (W3).

Statistics:

  • Shots on target: Palace 4, Aston Villa 5
  • Shots off target: Palace 5, Aston Villa 9
  • Expected goals: Palace 1.68, Aston Villa 0.85
  • Corners: Palace 1, Aston Villa 12
  • Fouls: Palace 9, Aston Villa 5
  • Offsides: Palace 0, Aston Villa 1
  • Passing success: Palace 86%, Aston Villa 73%
  • Tackles: Palace 18, Aston Villa 8
  • Tackles won: Palace 61%, Aston Villa 30%
  • Possession: Palace 70.3%, Aston Villa 29.7%

Sources:

  • [1] Palace have beaten Villa in three of their four meetings in all competitions this season, the first time they've done that since 2015-16 (Stoke).
  • [2] Ismaila Sarr has been directly involved in seven goals against Aston Villa in all competitions this season (5 goals, 2 assists).
  • [3] Palace were the first side to score two goals from outside the penalty area in an FA Cup semi-final since Chelsea against Spurs in 2017.
  • [4] Villa have lost seven of their last nine games at Wembley in all competitions (W2) and have lost three of their last six games in all competitions (W3).