The most lucrative game in world football is once again around the corner and boy are we excited. With a tendency to offer goals and excitement aplenty, we fans of the beautiful game are once again licking our lips at the prospect of another mouth-watering final between Aston Villa and Derby County. So, while Derby and Villa fans alike look forward to their final ahead, why don’t the rest of us have a look back at a recent classic.
Crystal Palace returned to the Premier League after eight years out of the competition in 2013 – and what a story it was. They beat a battling Watford 1-0 in the Championship play-off final after their stunning semi-final victory over Leicester City had emerged as one of the stories of the year.
Veteran and legend of the game Kevin Phillips fired Palace in front from the spot in extra time to essentially gain promotion and a hefty £120m in the pocket of the owners. Wilfried Zaha was also simply immense throughout. With his impending transfer to Manchester United, many believed it would be the last time they would see their talisman in a Palace shirt. As we all know, they were wrong.
Palace’s 1-0 win was truly a superb occasion marking both the return of the Eagles and Ian Holloway to the Premier League. It’s fair to say, the fans enjoyed this one.
365 days ago was one of the greatest days of my life, crystal palace promoted to the premier league forever red n blue! #cpfcplayoffmemories
— D A N (@Humxnerror) May 27, 2014
One of the best days of my life! Lifting the playoff final trophy as my beloved CPFC are promoted to Premier League. pic.twitter.com/4SxvjQ9I3U
— Jim Piddock (@realjimpiddock) May 28, 2013
@BBCSport Yeah!! C'mon eagles!!!!!!
— Luis Fernando MA (@lf_ma87) May 27, 2013
@VictorMoses thanks victor not a day passes of thinking what might have been bloody administration.
— Steve_Block 543 🇬🇧 (@Steve_CPFC) May 28, 2013
What a day!! Crystal Palace are in the premier league GET IN!!!
— Ryan (@Rysta_) May 27, 2013
Just got in. Absolutely buzzing. IV said it before and ill say it again. I love PALACE!!! #cpfc #Karmmm
— Alex Howell (@iamAlexHowell) May 27, 2013
We’re Crystal Palace, we’re premier league! What a day. Amazing feeling. Proud to be there. #CPFC
— Lewis Higgins (@higginsl93) May 27, 2013
Since their promotion, Palace have more than established themselves as Premier League regulars. Despite a regular glance down at the relegation places, they yet again finished the 2018-19 season well and will look to push on in the next campaign.
Palace will certainly be an inspiration for Derby and Villa as they push for promotion. Reaching the heights of the Premier League is one thing, but staying there is another. With the likes of Zaha and Aaron Wan-Bissaka emerging as genuine talents, they also now have both quality and value in the squad. A long-term stay in the league looks likely.
Palace fans, what are your memories of gaining promotion to the Premier League? Let us know below.
