Oliver Glasner ‘proud’ of Palace players after Arsenal comeback

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner says he is “proud” of his players after they fought back twice to draw 2-2 against Arsenal.

Goals from Eberechi Eze and Jean-Philippe Mateta saw Palace come from behind twice to take home a point, with an FA Cup semi-final against Aston Villa on Saturday looming.

Glasner was delighted with the reaction shown by his players are a tough couple of weeks, and has said the fightback was just what his side needed heading into their semi-final at Wembley.

“Excellent, credit to the players,” Glasner said. “The reaction [to recent results] was amazing today. I’m proud of what the players showed. We scored amazing goals. I watched many Arsenal games and I can’t remember a team with as many clear chances as we had.

“We want to show our identity and personality. It’s important to keep this energy and confidence for the semi-final on Saturday.

“It was not our goal to decide the title, it was our goal to win the game. I think a draw is a very good result. More important is the performance. We are back on the track. That’s what we need.

“It was an excellent performance. When you are 1-0 down and conceded 10 goals in the last two away games and playing at the Emirates, it’s a tricky situation. But the reaction of our players was unbelievable. We didn’t lose our heads, didn’t lose confidence or belief and creating so many chances against Arsenal, it’s so difficult. Very proud.

“I know what this group of players can show and perform, they have shown and proved it many times. Maybe not in the last two away games, but they did it for 30 to 40 minutes at the Etihad.

“But they are human beings, it’s not so easy. When we stick to the plan, tactically disciplined, when everyone does their job, it’s not easy to play against us. This is what we will need at Wembley on Sunday, at least at the same level.”