Crystal Palace produced a stunning performance to beat Everton 4-0 and importantly secure a ticket for the semi-final of this year’s FA Cup.
With Selhurst at full capacity the nerves were raw as the visitors strangely started the game on top, but that all changed after Marc Guehi headed in the first goal of the game from a Michael Olise cross.
Jean-Philippe Mateta, picked ahead of Odsonne Edouard and the experienced Christian Benteke, made it two before half time and essentially killed off Everton’s challenge.
Star man Wilfried Zaha got his goal and Palace’s third after being denied on a couple of occasions by Jordan Pickford.
And there was still time for substitute Will Hughes to get his name on the score sheet and effectively complete a one-sided encounter in South London.
One of the refreshing things about the victory was the route Palace used. In the past, they always relied on Wilfried Zaha to come up with a moment of magic, but today, they were already on their way to Wembley by the time Zaha got on the score-sheet.
The man management Vieira is doing in South London is top class, and the fans can feel that something special is brewing at Selhurst.
Almost 25,000 fans turned out for the game and they never stopped singing the name of their manager who has got them a trip to Wembley for the first time since 2016.
Despite the huge margin of victory, Crystal Palace butchered chances to add more goals but not many fans will care, even though it is an indication of how strong the Eagles are that they can afford to waste opportunities and still comfortably see out a game.
Speaking to the press, Vieira highlighted the need to celebrate the win but still keep a long term eye on all the young players who need direction and guidance.
He said: “The idea is to continue to grow as a club and give the young players a chance to grow and play games and be competitive, but of course we have to celebrate this win but there is a lot of work still to be done.”
So on what was a memorable day at Selhurst Park, here are some of the best pictures from the game.
1. Conor Gallagher of Crystal Palace arrives at the stadium prior to the Emirates FA Cup game
(Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images)
2. An FA Cup banner is displayed in the crowd ahead of the English FA cup quarter-final football match between Crystal Palace and Everton
(Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)
3. Supporters arrive for for the game at Selhults in numbers
(Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP) (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)
4. An FA Cup banner is displayed in the crowd by Palace fans
(Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)