Crystal Palace’s Connor Wickham, right, scores a goal past Watford’s Nathan Ake during the English FA Cup semifinal soccer match between Crystal Palace and Watford at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday April 24, 2016.
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Pardew’s side booked their first FA Cup final appearance for 26 years with a 2-1 win over Watford yesterday (Apr 24) and in a delicious twist it is United who are once again waiting for them at Wembley on May 21.
After a good showing in the 2-0 Premier League defeat at Manchester United on Wednesday night Pardew admitted he had a selection headache.
We have got the players who can hurt anybody.
“I hope the destiny isn’t the same result because it’s an nearly identical scenario for their manager”, Pardew said.
“This is a different team, with a different spirit, but the characteristics are similar to 1990. It is not a bad season, this season is unbelievable, but if the club want to talk to me in May then we will see”, he said. “I think Man United have a hard game in the final”. I’m sure they will.
Though Palace lies only two spots above the relegation zone, it’s eight points clear of the drop zone with games running out.
‘We don’t have reasons to talk about me.
Watford also rested a clutch of first-team stars in their 3-1 reverse at West Ham on Wednesday and Deeney and strike partner Odion Ighalo are among those expected to return.
Palace’s place in the final was sealed by Connor Wickham, who headed the 61st minute victor after Watford’s Troy Deeney cancelled out Yannick Bolasie’s early opener.
Wickham settled the game in the 61st minute after stretching to meet a cross from Pape Souare with his header flying beyond the reach of Watford keeper Costel Pantilimon.
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Palace still had half an hour to hold out and, while Jurado and Adlene Guedioura each had chances to force the game into extra-time, a combination of poor finishing and fearless last-gasp defending, epitomised by a moment when Dann, Jason Puncheon, Cabaye and Delaney were all on the floor after blocking shots, ensured Palace’s progress. The Hornets head to Wembley to face Crystal Palace tomorrow amid rumours the club’s owners are not happy with their form since the turn of the year. I scored at the Emirates too this week and now today so it’s been a double bubble for me.
