Crystal Palace swept past Aston Villa three nil, and Ismaïla Sarr supplied the decisive spark. His first-half strike arrived after a swift exchange with Eberechi Eze, the winger bending a measured shot inside the far post to ignite red and blue celebrations at Wembley.
Villa attempted a high pressing response but found Sarr equally ruthless in transition. Ten minutes from time he latched onto Daichi Kamada’s through ball, outpaced two defenders, and rifled a low drive beyond Emiliano Martínez. The goal confirmed Palace’s first final since 2016.
Between those two finishes Sarr also set up a penalty that Jean-Philippe Mateta clipped against the post, evidence of constant menace whether drifting wide or bursting centrally. His direct style stretched Villa’s back line and created space for roaming midfielders.
Manager Oliver Glasner applauded the Senegal international’s work-rate, highlighting repeated chases into his own half to block crosses. Such commitment, Glasner argued, embodies a squad hungry to write new history for Selhurst Park.
Sarr later praised a detailed video session that pinpointed Villa’s vulnerability between centre back and full back. He insisted that the same forensic approach would guide preparations for Manchester City, whose full backs often invert into midfield.
Palace fans left Wembley chanting Sarr’s name, aware that speed and fearless finishing could yet tip the balance against illustrious opposition on seventeen May. Few players arrive at a final in richer form.
