Crystal Palace FC. Pic: CPFC
Crystal Palace will face either Bolton or Liverpool in the fifth round of the FA cup after overcoming a highflying Southampton side in a five-goal thriller.
The victory gives Palace their first fifth round appearance since 2010, where they lost to Aston Villa. The Eagles have never won the FA Cup although they did finish runners-up to Manchester United in an FA cup final replay in 1990.
From just 33 per cent possession Palace managed three goals against the Saints’ who boast the tightest defence in the Premier League. Southampton have conceded just 16 in 22 games and are currently third in the Premier League.
Palace came from behind twice to seal the victory with two goals from Marouane Chamakh and one from Arsenal-loanee, Yaya Sango.
Alan Pardew has made the perfect start to his reign as Palace manager winning his first four games in charge. After the match he said: “I thought both teams were great. There was some really good football played. We are disappointed with the goals we conceded but the third goal would have graced any pitch in the world.”
He added: “Yaya Sanogo was good, Marouane Chamakh was better so it gives me a welcome selection headache.”
The win comes despite the absence of Eagles captain and top goal scorer, Mile Jedinak and fan-favourite Yannick Bolasie who are representing Australia and Equitorial Guinea in the Asian Cup and African cup of Nations respectively.
Palace take on Everton away at Goodison Park in their next fixture on Friday 30, with a win seeing them leap frog the Toffees into 12th place.
