Crystal Palace took on West Ham to conclude the US leg of the pre-season tour, here are five things we’ve learned from the game.
As the two Premier League sides faced off, it was Crystal Palace who began on the front foot with Tyrick Mitchell scoring the opener inside a minute.
The Hammers grabbed one back through Michail Antonio after he was handed a goal by Joachim Andersen’s erratic and sloppy backpass.
After half-time, Palace re-established authority scoring through Jeffrey Schlupp and then also Odsonne Edouard.
The scores finished 3-1 as Palace secured the Stateside Cup with another impressive win against Premier League opposition.
Here are five things we learned from the victory…
Tyrick Mitchell silences doubters
Ever since the arrival of Glasner, Mitchell has been the subject of critique for his on-ball ability which leaves him lacking in comparison with Daniel Munoz. But in this game, Mitchell showed his attacking quality with his excellent finish on the volley which put the Eagles ahead within a minute – showing he is capable of doing the job at left wing-back that Glasner wants.
Jeffrey Schlupp has a role to play in 2024/25
Once again on the scoresheet here against West Ham was Schlupp with his second goal in two games and this one was equally as brilliant as the goal he scored against Wolves. A stooping header which looped into the far corner was brilliant and Schlupp’s knack for scoring wonder goals could come in very handy. Glasner will be glad his contract was extended.
Odsonne Edouard shows Palace don’t need to sign a striker
A striker has been a target for the Eagles for much of 2024, but Jean-Philippe Mateta’s emergence as a star striker has lessened the need. Now, during pre-season, Edouard has shown signs that he could score goals under Glasner and that should be enough to allow Palace not to sign a striker. This comes as the Palace has also changed its mind about letting him leave according to reports.
Palace will be very competitive this season
One thing which is evident after seeing the Eagles against Wolves and West Ham is that Glasner’s side will be very competitive this season and look well-placed to fight for Europe. West Ham in particular is an impressive side that will have lofty ambitions this season, so beating them so comfortably is impressive.
Eagles are right to target Europe
Aside from being competitive, Palace’s target this coming year is to secure a European spot – as stated already by Andersen and Daichi Kamada. This might’ve looked ambitious, but the Eagles have just swept a West Ham aside who will be targeting Europe.
Palace were without Jefferson Lerma, Ebere Eze, Tyrick Mitchell, Adam Wharton, Marc Guehi and Mateta which proves how strong the Eagles are right now.
