‘Today was a …’- Ebere Eze outlined the importance of heading into the FA Cup Final with momentum, after his brace put the seal on an outstanding team performance and 2-0 win at Tottenham Hotspur.
In the Eagles’ final match before our date with destiny against Manchester City at Wembley, Palace played with electrifying energy, full-blooded commitment and bountiful attacking intent.
Eze’s side recorded 23 shots (10 on target); accrued an xG total of 3.83 (to the hosts’ 0.80); and put the ball in the net four times (with two disallowed efforts); and were wholly dominant in North London on their way to record a first-ever league double over Tottenham.
The England international’s brace also saw him score for three consecutive league games for the first time in his career, and record his ninth goal involvement (six goals, three assists) in his last 10 appearances in all competitions.
“It was a big performance,” Eze told Sky Sports. “I think we’ve done everything that we needed to do today: [played with] energy, won our duels, were effective going forward, and fingers crossed we’re in a good position for next week.
“I don’t think it was comfortable. I feel like we had to work to earn the right to play and to score and to get chances today. They were a difficult team to play against, but we did everything that we needed to do today, which was the most important thing.
“It was a tough day – it’s hot, I think we all worked crazy hard – so we got the reward for sure.”
On his own personal form, Eze said: “It’s been a weird season, but [I] gradually got there. [I’m] gradually getting some rhythm and playing how I want to be playing, helping the team as much as I can. It’s a good time right now.”
And on Daniel Muñoz, whom was an ever-present threat throughout from the right-hand side, Eze noted: “He’s an incredible player, with incredible energy, a great guy as well.
“It’s a pleasure playing with him and we seem to work well and to find each other and stuff like that, so he’s been a great addition for sure.”
Heading into a huge week for Crystal Palace, with the prospect of a first major trophy on the line at the end of it, Eze said: “I think it means everything.
“We know what it means to the fans, to the club. We’re going to give everything that we’ve got to put ourselves in the best position. I feel like today was a good step towards that.
“We’re confident. We know that we’ve just got to do what we do and be the best version of ourselves and we’ve got the chance of beating any team.”
