The third round of the FA Cup had it all, major upsets, thrilling comebacks and some breakout performances, concluding an evening of classic cup football.
Championship club Millwall were among those looking to score an upset over their superior Premier League opposition, and they very nearly did, had it not been for one man in particular.
The saving grace for Crystal Palace on the day was 20-year-old French international Michael Olise.
The former Reading midfielder joined Palace for an £8m transfer fee earlier this season and delivered his best performance in the Eagles’ shirt yesterday.
Trailing by a goal at halftime, the French international instigated a crucial comeback for his side and was undoubtedly the star of the show.
Naturally, his display drew all sorts of reactions from fans online.
All-action performance
Olise’s stunning second-half display got fans talking and praises flooded in.
Stunning performance from Michael Olise to rescue Palace there. Millwall couldn't respond
— Ed Aarons (@ed_aarons) January 8, 2022
The midfielder certainly wasn’t a household name before the game, but judging by some of the reactions to his performance, it’s safe to say he’ll now have more eyes on him than ever.
Michael Olise scored, assisted and hit the post in 12 minutes for Crystal Palace.
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) January 8, 2022
Breakout game 😤 pic.twitter.com/XKBhUlBJXr
A goal Arjen Robben would be proud of
The 20-year-old’s striking capabilities were on show during the game.
Olise’s goal began with a Robben-esque push inside the box from the right, he then wrapped his foot around the ball and unleashed an unstoppable strike, levelling the game for Palace.
He almost pulled off a similar effort, drifting into a shooting position with ease and unleashing a curling shot, except this time it clattered the post.
As time passed on the Frenchman tightened his grip on the tie and fittingly enough it was his peach of a delivery which was headed in by Mateta for Palace’s second.
All of this proves that Olise’s left foot is certainly something to behold.
Michael Olise with a goal & assist so far today for Palace. What a baller. 💫
— Felix ⭐️⭐️ (@CFC_Felix_) January 8, 2022
Wand of a left foot. Watch out Premier League. pic.twitter.com/9300BHX0GC
Ruined Scott Malone
Olise’s stunning display on the right meant that the person tasked with keeping him at bay had a nightmare.
That person was Scott Malone, and unfortunately, the fullback simply couldn’t keep up with the Frenchman’s pace and trickery with the ball.
Olise breezed past Malone on multiple occasions and made the fullback look clueless at times.
I’d like to extend my apologies to whoever this man is for what Michael Olise did to him today pic.twitter.com/6G6L67eJew
— Sam 🦅🇧🇷 (@cpfc_samh) January 8, 2022
Ruined Millwall fans
One of the most noteworthy moments in the game sadly didn’t involve a stellar piece of play.
Instead, it was fan trouble, aimed at the unstoppable Frenchman.
While getting set to take a corner the No 7 got struck with a bottle hurled at him by Millwall supporters.
Instead of going down, Olise handled the situation with ease, firstly kicking the bottle away from the pitch and then bravely asking the supporters to bring it on.
Michael Olise really got hit by a bottle from the Milwall crowd and told them to keep it coming 😳 pic.twitter.com/YOjm2vFPus
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 8, 2022
A style icon
Aside from the performance, Olise’s look had fans talking.
The Frenchman didn’t compromise on the drip, pulling off the Palace kit effortlessly by simply finding the boots to match.
No one is beating Michael Olise's kit x boot combo this weekend 👌 pic.twitter.com/feNrCBjbMW
— Pro:Direct Soccer (@ProD_Soccer) January 8, 2022
