In a pulsating Premier League clash at Selhurst Park on May 20, 2025, Crystal Palace capped off a historic week with a 4-2 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, riding the wave of their recent FA Cup triumph. The Eagles, still basking in the glow of their first major trophy in 164 years, delivered a performance brimming with energy and clinical finishing, much to the delight of a raucous home crowd. Despite Wolves’ resilience and moments of quality, Palace’s attacking prowess, led by Eddie Nketiah’s brace and a late strike from FA Cup hero Eberechi Eze, ensured the hosts claimed all three points in their penultimate match of the season.
The game began with a festive atmosphere, as Palace fans celebrated their FA Cup win over Manchester City just days prior. However, it was Wolves who struck first in the 24th minute, with Emmanuel Agbadou rising to head home a scruffy effort from a corner, silencing the Selhurst Park faithful momentarily. The lead didn’t last long. Three minutes later, Eddie Nketiah responded for Palace, latching onto a precise pass and slotting past Wolves goalkeeper Dan Bentley to level the score. The former Arsenal striker wasn’t done, as he struck again in the 32nd minute, capitalizing on a defensive error to give Palace a 2-1 lead at the break. His quickfire double showcased the clinical edge that has seen him emerge as a key figure for Oliver Glasner’s side.
The second half saw Palace extend their advantage early on. In the 50th minute, Chelsea loanee Ben Chilwell, buoyed by the electric atmosphere, saw his free-kick take a wicked deflection off the Wolves wall, wrong-footing Bentley to make it 3-1. Wolves, under the guidance of Vitor Pereira, refused to capitulate. Jorgen Strand Larsen pulled one back in the 62nd minute, nodding in a corner to reignite hopes of a comeback. The visitors pushed forward, with substitute Matheus Cunha, heavily linked with a move to Manchester United, testing Palace’s resolve. However, Palace’s defense, marshaled by Jefferson Lerma, held firm.
As the game neared its climax, Eberechi Eze, the hero of Wembley, came off the bench to seal the victory. In the 86th minute, the midfielder embarked on a trademark solo run, weaving through Wolves’ defense before firing a scuffed but decisive shot past Bentley to make it 4-2. The goal sparked wild celebrations, with fans serenading their team with chants of “We’re all going on a European tour,” a nod to their Europa League qualification secured by the FA Cup win. The victory also marked a poignant farewell for club legend Joel Ward, who played his final home game for Palace before being substituted to a standing ovation.
Despite the loss, Wolves showed glimpses of the form that has lifted them to 14th in the table under Pereira’s stewardship. Their defensive lapses, however, were costly, with Pereira lamenting “four gifts” handed to Palace in his post-match comments to BBC MOTD. Palace manager Oliver Glasner, speaking to Match of the Day, praised his team’s energy, noting the challenge of maintaining intensity after their FA Cup exertions. The result moved Palace to within two points of a top-half finish, while also securing a club-record 50 points for the season, a milestone Glasner had promised would earn his players two extra days off.