Selhurst Park hosted a night of jubilation as Crystal Palace capped a historic few days with a 3-1 victory over Wolves, just days after lifting their first-ever major trophy the FA Cup. The match itself may not have carried the weight of consequence, but it became a joyous backdrop to a club celebration 101 years in the making.
The game opened with a warm sense of occasion, and fittingly, it was Eddie Nketiah who ignited the festivities. The striker netted twice one a close-range finish, the other a deflected free-kick that wrong-footed Wolves goalkeeper José Sá. Eberechi Eze then put the seal on the win with a stunning strike, a goal of real beauty and composure that showcased his class and delighted the Selhurst crowd.
Though the match was professional and entertaining, the true highlight arrived after the final whistle. For the first time in their long history, Palace were able to parade a major trophy around their home ground. The sense of joy, relief, and collective pride among the supporters was palpable.
Palace fans, known for their unwavering support and vibrant matchday presence, were treated to more than just a win. With the Europa League anthem echoing around the ground, dreams of a first European tour grew more vivid. There is a growing belief that this side, under the leadership of Oliver Glasner, has the tactical nous and emotional strength to thrive on the continental stage.
The Austrian manager has only been at the helm for a short time, but his impact is undeniable. Under his guidance, Palace have become both organized and daring, blending discipline with creativity. His players look rejuvenated, and the atmosphere around the club has rarely been more optimistic.
Perhaps no one better embodied the emotion of the evening than Joel Ward. The veteran defender, now the club’s longest-serving player, led the team out for his 364th appearance. Ward has been a loyal figure through thick and thin, and it was fitting that he should be central to the night’s events. Emerging from the dressing room after the final whistle, he carried the FA Cup across the pitch to the Holmesdale Road Stand, lifting it aloft to deafening cheers.
The farewell that followed was heartfelt. As the stadium lights dimmed and applause swelled, Ward received a send-off led by club chairman Steve Parish. Parish, clearly moved, paid tribute to a player who has come to symbolize the values of Crystal Palace: loyalty, grit, and humility.
In the stands, figures from Palace’s past watched on. Alan Pardew, who experienced heartbreak in both 1990 as a player and 2016 as manager, shared the moment with former teammate Mark Bright. This was not just a celebration for today’s team, but a redemption of sorts for generations of Palace teams that came close but left empty-handed.
Now, Palace look forward to what promises to be a new chapter in the club’s story. With a trophy in the cabinet and European football on the horizon, the belief is no longer just hopeful it’s rooted in achievement. For the fans, players, and staff, this was more than a win over Wolves. It was a victory decades in the making, a party worthy of the long wait.
