Crystal Palace coasted to a 5-1 win over Swindon Town in the opening game of pre-season as Pierre Sage outclassed Ian Holloway.
It may only have been against a League Two side, but several Crystal Palace players delivered impressive performances, none more so than Matheus Franca who netted a hat-trick in 45 minutes.
Eddie Nketiah scored the other goals, while there was a return to action for Cheick Doucoure too which was fantastic to see. However, some players really need to step up if they are going to feature regularly under Sage, namely Brennan Johnson.
Thoughts on the win over Swindon? 🤔
Joel Drakes-Thomas was absolutely fantastic ⭐️
Walter Benitez (7/10)
The Argentine – who reportedly wants to leave for OGC Nice – had very little to do as Crystal Palace dominated. Could do nothing about Fletcher Holman’s fine finish.
Tyrick Mitchell (5/10)
Quite a sloppy 45 minutes from the England international, who took a few heavy touches and looked noticeably rusty.
Tayo Adaramola (4/10)
The Republic of Ireland international is a talent, but he will have to do better to impress Sage. Some poor decisions on the ball presented opportunities to Holloway’s side.
Charlie Walker-Smith (6/10)
Like Benitez, had very little to do defensively, but progressed the ball forward well and carried it effectively, showing why he has been compared to Declan Rice.
George King (6/10)
A similar outing to Walker-Smith. Little threat to deal with from Swindon, but impressive vision to look forward on the ball rather than sideways.
Oscar Mingueza (7/10)
An impressive debut from the Spaniard. Both overlapped Romain Esse and went inside the pitch to free up space. Also fancies himself as a set-piece taker having stood over two freekicks.
Will Hughes (6/10)
A standard Hughes display. Sensible in possession, always showing for the ball, but looked a bit off the pace defensively and in need of match fitness, but that was to be expected.
David Ozoh (4/10)
A bright start quickly ruined by two mistakes. Ozoh saw a pass across goal intercepted before giving away a penalty when attempting to win it back.
Tried to play passes in between the lines which should be appreciated, but amid talk of the midfielder being let go this summer, he needs to do more, and can do more.
Jesurun Rak-Sakyi (4/10)
Like Ozoh, Rak-Sakyi can do better than he showed against Swindon. Failed to really get involved in the game, but was admittedly playing on the left when he prefers the right flank.
Eddie Nketiah (8/10)
Nketiah looked eager to impress Sage after a tough time under Oliver Glasner. Two proper striker’s goals put Crystal Palace on the way to victory. His intense pressing caught the eye.
Romain Esse (6/10)
Another player who had a difficult time under Glasner. Looked to have much more freedom on the ball and caused problems cutting inside. A promising display.
Substitutions
Remi Matthews (N/A)
Genuinely had nothing to do as Crystal Palace attacked Swindon a lot more in the second half.
Borna Sosa (4/10)
Tidy in possession in the unfamiliar role as a central defender, allowing Dean Benamar to play in the left wing-back role. Nothing more to say really.
Dean Benamar (6/10)
Played an impressive, curled pass down the line for Joel Drakes-Thomas to win a penalty. Looks confident on the ball and appears to have beefed up physically. An exciting talent.
Mofe Jemide (5/10)
Another exciting talent who looks physically ready for senior football, but could have made better decisions on the ball. Wandered into trouble at one stage and needed Jaydee Canvot to cover him.
Jaydee Canvot (7/10)
A typically solid display from Canvot. Played passes forward through the lines and did his job defensively while wearing his new No.6 shirt, inherited from Marc Guehi.
Rio Cardines (4/10)
Not much to do down his side, and was given little help by Johnson in terms of combining for attacks.
Justin Devenny (4/10)
Tidy if not unspectacular display. Southampton are keen on his services and this could be one of the Northern Ireland international’s final games for Crystal Palace.
Cheick Doucoure (6/10)
Was great to see the Mali international back in action. Looked understandably cautious to push his body after missing the entirety of last season through injury, but kept possession nicely.
Joel Drakes-Thomas (8/10)
The poster boy of our new kit launch dazzled after coming on for the second half. Looks so confident on the ball and tries to make things happen. At the age of just 17, he put senior players like Johnson to shame.
Matheus Franca (9/10)
Sage opted to play Franca down the middle in a lone striker role – something Glasner nor Hodgson ever tried – and it worked perfectly. The Brazilian was alert to lob the ball over Connor Ripley for his opener, then took his penalty confidently.
Sealed his hat-trick with a smart finish after impressive close control inside the box. Offered hope that he can finally live up to his £26m price tag.
Brennan Johnson (2/10)
Not to be harsh, but even 2/10 feels generous. Johnson misplaced a five-yard pass to Franca while breaking away which ruined that particular attack, and that felt like the only thing he did.
Against League Two opposition in a pre-season friendly, a £35m signing needs to do so much better.
How can Brennan Johnson make a name for himself at Crystal Palace? 🏴
Johnson – who had a tough start in Sage’s first training session – looks incredibly disinterested too.
Needs to buck up his ideas quickly. Body language is abysmal.
