Crystal Palace 3-0 Aston Villa – PLAYER RATINGS: Which Eagles star put on a performance they will never forget? Who was a joy to watch? And who struggled all game?

Crystal Palace booked their spot in their first FA Cup final since 2016 with a commanding 3-0 win against Aston Villa on Saturday evening. 

Jean-Philippe Mateta may have gone without, after having an early strike chalked off and missing a penalty at Wembley, but his team-mates were capable deputies in front of goal, with Eberechi Eze opening the scoring in some style. 

The England international’s sublime top-corner goal gave Palace a first-half lead against Unai Emery’s side, and Ismail Sarr doubled it after the break. 

Sarr struck a second time on the break in stoppage time to spark bedlam amongst the Palace fans. 

Oliver Glasner’s team will now watch Sunday’s second semi-final –  between Manchester City and Nottingham Forest – with some interest. 

But as the dust settles at the home of English football, AADAM PATEL runs the rule over who shone and who stuttered for both sides. 

CRYSTAL PALACE (3-4-2-1):

Dean Henderson (8)

Made a big save just before half-time to deny Ezri Konsa and a number of crucial stops after the break to keep Villa out. A clean sheet that will taste incredibly sweet.

Chris Richards (7.5)

Back from suspension and battled really hard all game, barely giving Villa a sniff down their left hand side. Like so many Palace players, won his individual battles.

Maxence Lacroix (8)

Superb. The Frenchman led the Palace back line brilliantly and hardly put a foot wrong, with his strength too much for Villa’s attacking names.

Marc Guehi (7.5)

Another Palace defender who was solid in the back three and will take plenty of joy too from nullifying the impact of his England teammate Ollie Watkins.

Daniel Munoz (7)

Was up and down at right wing-back and helped out Richards all game. Perhaps the only criticism was that the Colombian didn’t get on the ball enough.

Adam Wharton (8)

So composed in possession and reads the game brilliantly.. Played the ball that won the penalty and then won the ball in the move for Sarr’s goal.

Daniel Kamada (7.5)

Interestingly given the nod to start but he backed up his manager’s confidence with an assured display, as he and Wharton dominated midfield.

Tyrick Mitchell (7.5)

Put in a solid shift at left wing-back but missed a huge chance to make it 2-0 to Palace when he missed his kick inside the box. Apart from that, he was excellent.

Ismaila Sarr (9)

A performance that the Senegalese international will never forget. Did so well to pick out Eze and get the assist for the opener before scoring a belter of his own and another in injury time.

Eberechi Eze (8.5)

Scored his second stunner of the week with a brilliant strike that was far too good for Emi Martinez and then won the penalty. A footballer that is always a joy to watch.

Jean-Philippe Mateta (7)

Back in the starting eleven and so unlucky to have a goal disallowed but caused problems all game and will be delighted that his penalty miss didn’t prove costly. A nightmare to play against.

Substitutes

Eddie Nketiah (6)

Ben Chilwell (N/A)

Will Hughes (N/A)

Jefferson Lerman (N/A)

Manager – Oliver Glasner (8)

He has the number over Unai Emery, with this his fourth win in five against the Spaniard. His side were superb in every aspect and deserved winners. An FA Cup final awaits.

ASTON VILLA (4-2-3-1):

Emiliano Martinez (5)

He could have done better for Eze’s goal but not many keepers would have stopped that strike. Celebrated Mateta’s penalty miss but was beaten a few minutes later by Sarr.

Matty Cash (4.5)

Struggled all game against a Palace side that were so quick when in possession and hardly got involved attackingly.

Ezri Konsa (5)

Perhaps fortunate to get a foul for Mateta’s disallowed goal but he nearly equalised with a header before the break. Not the first defender to struggle with Mateta.

Pau Torres (3)

Had a game to forget, losing the ball carelessly on a few occasions including in the build up to Eze’s opener and should have closed Sarr down quicker before Palace’s second goal.

Lucas Digne (4.5)

Like Cash, struggled against Palace’s wing-backs and apart from a good strike which was saved, he barely caused any problems going up. Ian Maatsen replaced him in the 60th minute.

Boubacar Kamara (4)

Silly foul on Eze to give away the penalty and another Villa player who didn’t get into the game. Taken off for Ross Barkley with 20 minutes to go.

Youri Tielemans (5)

Lost possession in the build up to Sarr’s goal and though he was regularly involved with the ball, he was part of a Villa midfield that lost the battle in the middle of the park.

Morgan Rogers (5)

Fired an early chance just wide and like the rest of Villa’s attack, could find no way past Henderson in the Palace goal. Taken off for Donyell Malen.

Marco Asensio (5)

One of three Villa changes made by Unai Emery but his impact was nullified by Palace who defended so well. Replaced by Jacob Ramsey with 20 minutes to go.

John McGinn (4.5)

The Villa skipper struggled to have an influence on the game. He tested Henderson shortly after the break before he was hooked off on the hour mark for Leon Bailey.

Ollie Watkins (4)

Just 18 touches all game and not even one shot on goal. A day to forget for the Villa striker, who in fairness had very little service.

Substitutes

Ian Maatsen (5)

Leon Bailey (5)

Jacob Ramsey (5)

Ross Barkley (5)

Manager – Unai Emery (5)

His side were outclassed and look to be running out of legs at a crucial time of the season. Must do whatever it takes to secure Champions League qualification now.