Crystal Palace 1 Watford 0: Wilfried Zaha ‘speechless’ after play-off win

Wilfried Zaha was lost for words after helping Crystal Palace secure promotion to the Premier League thanks to an extra-time victory over Watford at Wembley.

After a goalless 90 minutes, Zaha was brought down by Watford defender Marco Cassetti in the box and substitute Kevin Phillips smashed home the resulting penalty.

Monday’s clash was Zaha’s last game for Palace, with the 20-year-old set to join Manchester United this summer.

“I’m exhausted and speechless,” Zaha told Sky Sports. “I don’t even know what to say.

“My dream’s come true – this is all I wanted. I’m happy to leave Palace knowing that they’re in the Premier League.

“It’s all I wanted. I just told myself I’m going to give it all I can because I’ve been at Palace for so long and all I want to do is help out the team.”

Phillips, who started his career at Watford back in 1994, could not hide his delight at helping his side seal victory and also paid tribute to Zaha.

“I’m just delighted to get that feeling. To come on and get the winning goal against the club where it all started 20 years ago – it’s a fairytale ending.

“If that is my last game, what a way to sign off. I’m going to have a break now. Every bit of my body is aching. I’ll see what the future brings. I want to stay in the game, whether it be playing or coaching.”

The 39-year-old forward added: “I’m delighted for this lad [Zaha]. He goes with everyone’s best wishes. Ten years at this club – he deserves every success that he gets in the future.”