Crystal Palace are through to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup for the first time in four years. The Premier League side defeated Championship's Millwall 3-1 at Selhurst Park in the fifth round. Millwall defender Japhet Tanganga’s own goal opened the scoring for the Eagles before Daniel Muñoz extended their lead. Wes Harding pulled one back for the visitors, but a late second-half goal from Eddie Nketiah ensured the Premier League side advanced to the next round.
However, the biggest talking point of the match was what happened in the eighth minute of the first half. Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts was sent off after a shocking, horrific challenge on Jean-Philippe Mateta. Roberts jumped high with his boot directed toward the Palace striker, leaving a gash on his head. Luckily for the Frenchman, he turned his head just before contact, or the injury could have been far worse.
Despite the clear challenge, referee Michael Oliver did not stop the game immediately and even needed confirmation from VAR before sending off Roberts. The game was halted for about 10 minutes before being restarted. Mateta was taken to the hospital, with Eddie Nketiah replacing him as a concussion substitute.
The home side was on the front foot throughout the match. Nketiah thought he had put them in front, but the goal was ruled out as the ball had hit his hand before that. Palace kept piling up their attempts. Apart from a throw-in that almost crept in before Palace goalkeeper Matt Turner took control, Millwall's attacking threat was virtually nonexistent.
Later, Will Hughes’ shot from the edge of the box was headed into his own net by Japhet Tanganga, giving Palace the lead. They continued their attacks, and their attempt to extend the lead soon paid off. Millwall midfielder Billy Mitchell’s clearance deflected off Tanganga and fell at the feet of Daniel Muñoz, who only had the goalkeeper to beat.
However, Millwall found a way back into the match as Wes Harding’s shot deflected off Ben Chilwell, opening their scoring very late in the 13 minutes of injury time. The confidence from the goal was evident in Millwall's play in the second half. Despite being a player down, they looked like the more promising side when the match restarted. However, Crystal Palace’s quality and numerical advantage meant the home side coped with the visitors' pressure without much issue.
Nevertheless, in the 81st minute, Oliver Glasner’s side secured the win. Eberechi Eze’s free-kick found Chris Richards, who headed the ball towards Nketiah, and the forward nodded it in off the post for Palace’s third goal. From then on, it was about seeing the game through.
What Lies Ahead for Crystal Palace?
The draw for the quarter-finals will be made on Sunday, March 2nd, with fixtures set to take place on the weekend of Saturday, March 29th. However, Crystal Palace’s biggest concern will be the extent of Jean-Philippe Mateta’s injury. The Frenchman has been in excellent form, with nine-goal contributions in his last nine matches for the Eagles. But more importantly, everyone in the footballing world will be hoping he is okay and will be back on the pitch soon. Palace, currently 12th in the Premier League, will host Ipswich Town next on March 8th.