‘I’m a Deptford boy…but I never supported Millwall’ – Eddie Nketiah targets Wembley appearance with Crystal Palace…
Summer signing Eddie Nketiah made it two goals in five days as his 81st-minute strike sealed a win for Crystal Palace in their FA Cup fifth round clash against Millwall on Saturday to put his side into the quarter-finals.
His goal put the Eagles 3-1 up and ended any nerves that the SE25 side had that their rivals would find a way back into the contest.
“It’s big,” said the 28-year-old to the South London Press about making it through to the last eight. “We want to keep pushing. We want to go all the way. That’s the aim. We’re a step closer to Wembley, which is a big aim for us. It will be nice to be able to take these wonderful Palace fans to Wembley – to go all the way will be fantastic.”
After his looping header had hit the back of the net, Nketiah wheeled away in celebration, finding himself in front of the visiting supporters.
But having grown up in Deptford, well-known as a Millwall supporting area, Nketiah made a calming gesture with his hands and celebrated in a more muted style than usual.
“I celebrated – but I kept it not too crazy. I tried to look good when I celebrated, while paying my respect to Millwall. I’m a Deptford boy, but I never supported Millwall. I’m playing for Palace now, so we don’t like them,” said a joking Nketiah.
“It’s nice to get the win and good to get through to the next round. That’s the most important thing. It was a lovely atmosphere to play in – both fans going at each other (chanting) – and it was nice to get on the scoresheet.”
Despite the defeat of their South London rivals and progression to a second cup quarter-final of the season, the game was bittersweet for the home side with star striker Jean-Philippe Mateta stretchered off inside the first 10 minutes following a bad foul from goalkeeper Liam Roberts.
Roberts was shown a direct red card and it was later revealed that Mateta went to St George’s Hospital where he needed to have 25 stitches in a severe ear gash.
“We’re sad with what’s happened to JP,” said Nketiah before the severity of the injury was known. “It was a horrible challenge and, rightly so, a sending off.
“Hopefully we can get him back as soon as possible. He is a great guy, not just on the pitch, but off the pitch. A really nice person. We’ll be checking in on him. We’re happy to get the win on his behalf and hope he can join us for the next round. We need him – we need every player.”
Nketiah joined Palace from Arsenal in the summer, admitting that part of the reason he came to the Eagles was due to his friendships with various players at the club, including Greenwich-born Ebere Eze.
And having played in the England youth teams and come up against him on numerous occasions previously, Nketiah is enjoying the time playing with his fellow South Londoner, although with limited starts so far in his career in South London – just six in the Premier League – the striker is hoping for more minutes on the pitch.
“I’ve played with Ebz through the youth teams and there’s definitely a connection – he’s a fantastic player and a delight to play with,” added Nketiah to the South London Press, who opened his Premier League account for the Eagles on Tuesday, against Aston Villa.
“It’s been a bit of a shame that I haven’t had the minutes I would have liked behind him because I know he’ll be able to find me (on the pitch) and I can find him. Hopefully, we can get out there together and play more. It’s enjoyable when you have that connection with someone off the pitch. It makes it a lot easier on the pitch.”
After facing Ipswich next Saturday in the Premier League, Nketiah and his side will not have another game until the weekend of March 29 when they play their FA Cup quarter-final.
Palace boss Oliver Glasner revealed he will take his side to Marbella, Spain for a training camp – including a friendly game – during this time, with Nketiah approaching the break in games with full focus.
“As a player you want games, it would have been nice to have a lot more games this month, but it is what it is – we adapt,” said the 25-year-old.
“The manager is going to keep us busy, keep us working. We look forward to the game next week. We will make sure we prepare well and that we are ready for the game after that.”
