EAGLES columnist SAM ROSS is still on a high after last night and suggests Wilfried Zaha owed Palace that display at Brighton after Ian Holloway persevered with the winger in the side for so long, despite being out of form.

LAST night’s win was a surprising result to many, including me.

But more unsurprisingly, and somewhat frustratingly, most of the headlines will surround game changer Wilfried Zaha rather than Crystal Palace.

The 20-year-old won the tie for us in a performance Palace fans have been waiting to see from the Manchester United bound winger since signing for the Premier League champions.

Over the last three months Zaha had been picked ahead of the impressive Jonny Williams and Yannick Bolasie, with Ian Holloway sticking with him purely because of his match-winning ability rather than his performances.

Unfortunately it didn’t pay off, with Zaha too frequently moaning and whinging on the pitch rather than playing his own game. Thankfully keeping him on did pay off last night, but what was even more pleasing about Zaha’s goal was it proved he still had the desire to play for Palace, something I had doubted towards the end of the season.

Last night was as if he knew how close his career with us was coming to an end.

He was alert and more determined to attack Bolasie’s cross than the experienced Wayne Bridge was to defend it, while his first touch for his second showed the pure class he has.

Zaha’s goals last night were a fitting parting gift he owed Palace for all we have given him over the years and hopefully he has one more treat to offer come May 27.

Holloway brought on Andre Moritz when many would have thought Kevin Phillips was the man to introduce at such a crucial stage in the game.

The Brazilian hasn’t featured a lot recently but his involvement was key last night.

He brought a greater attacking threat to the game as Owen Garvan’s replacement and Holloway deserves a lot of credit for that bold move.

Palace didn’t shock me in their ability to attack in both legs, but what was a pleasant surprise was their strength in defence.

In last week’s column I said the result against Brighton could have been embarrassing and I would never have thought the Eagles wouldn’t have conceded at all.

I’ll happily eat my words now about that!

Every defender, none more so than Joel Ward, who was superb in both games, played exceptional well.

Dean Moxey’s goal-line clearance last night was his best contribution in a Palace shirt, while Julian Speroni shook off his latest blip in performances to pull off two crucial saves in both games.

Holloway and the players have done extremely well to turn things around after our dreadful run of form in March/April and it is certainly a different Palace side compared to then.

Many will now ponder the chances of Palace beating Watford in the final come May 27 or question if the current squad are good enough for the Premier League?

Well, we’ll worry about that if it happens, but right now let’s revel in the moment, celebrate getting to the final and what will be a great day out at Wembley.

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