by Oliver Glasner insists that Crystal Palace’s “Best Performance in Weeks” can give you courage and faith before the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday in Wembley.
Palace came from behind twice to get a credible 2-2 draw with Arsenal from the Emirates on Wednesday evening when Eberechi Eze and Jean-Philippe Mateta scored both excellent goals for the Eagles.
The draw, which means that Liverpool is only one point away when he is crowned the Premier League master, was the last match from Palace to the semi-finals on Saturday, when they were exposed to a high-flying Aston villa in Wembley.
“I’m really proud of the players and how they performed today,” said Glasner, who was enthusiastic about the application of his players in a match between two teams for which Little was to play on the left.
“In addition, we conceded 10 goals with 1-0 and in the last two away games and played here at Emirates against an Arsenal side that are in great form-it is a difficult situation.
“But the reaction was great-it was incredible to be honest. We lost nothing of our courage, we lost nothing of our faith and then we played forward. I think it was a really deserved draw that came back twice.
“Everyone was so disciplined and continuous, created opportunities, scored two amazing goals. What Marc [Guéhi] Afterwards in the changing room, it was like the two most difficult chances that we achieve. We might have easier to score! “
With a view to the FA Cup semi-final, the Austrian added: “It was a great performance. It will help us because I think it was the best performance for weeks and that was important. We talked about entering the semi-finals with faith, courage and confidence, and that is what we can take today.
“We have to show the same focus, the same discipline, the same belief, the same self -confidence and the same tactical discipline in and outside of possession. We have to move the ball as quickly as we did today. We have to concentrate in our set pieces, in attack and defense, and this will be important.
“But of course we need the talent, we need the quality of our players, we need the spirit, we need the tactical discipline, and of course we need our heart and our minds. I think this performance was particularly positive for these two.
“We are very excited. I think everyone who is connected to Palace is very excited, but on the other hand, I think it is also important to stay calm. It is a football game and we have shown that we are in good shape. Aston Villa is also in great form.”
Glasner asked his players to keep their focus and discipline, and said: “Do not do anything else. Rely on the things we did well throughout the season. This is what we will decide to not rethink. We want to show our identity – and then we see what the result will be.”
