Crystal Palace took on Tottenham Hotspurs on Saturday, here’s five things we learned from Oliver Glasner’s first away game as Palace boss.
At the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Oliver Glasner faced his second game since being appointed as the new Crystal Palace manager.
While Palace spent much of the game under immense pressure, a moment of magic from Eberechi Eze opened the scoring in the 59th minute.
After holding onto the lead for nearly 20-minutes, Spurs then turned the result around with two in four minutes. Timo Werner grabbed the first and Christian Romero got the second.
Ultimately these were two very disappointing goals to concede, and the third was also poor as Heung-min Son finished Palace off. This is how the game ended with Spurs winning 3-1.
Here’s five things we learned from the game…
The Eberechi Eze effect
Back from injury, Eze could’ve been excused if he took some time to find his feet, but he had other ideas.
A moment of absolute magic as he beat Guglielmo Vicario from a free-kick in spectacular fashion to put Palace 1-0 ahead at the time.
Eze showed just how good he can be and why his departure could be a substantial blow this summer, but wow, what a player he is and it’s a shame his teammates let him down.
Oliver Glasner has already made Palace a tough team to beat
In the final versions of Roy Hodgson’s time at Crystal Palace, the team was shipping goals without much resistance, while three were conceded today, for 80 minutes, Palace had frustrated Spurs.
While Spurs absolutely dominated, Palace didn’t make anything easy for them in the first 77 minutes and this will bode well going forward as Glasner gets more time with his players to improve further.
Spurs eventually made good on their dominance scoring three in 11 minutes, but there is some really good signs for Palace to build upon.
Sam Johnstone is now firmly above Dean Henderson
The goalkeeper position has been the topic of much discussion at Selhurst Park throughout this campaign. After Dean Henderson impressed through December it looked like he was guaranteed to keep it.
After Roy Hodgson stepped down though, Sam Johnstone returned to the starting line-up and has been very impressive since.
Johnstone made a series of good saves before Spurs gt their two goals, both were disappointing goals to concede with the 30-year-old likely furious with his defence.
Chris Richards continues to impress for Palace
Palace spent probably 95 per cent of this game under pressure from the Spurs attack, with one man being incredible in defence for at least the opening 80 minutes.
Chris Richards was everywhere for the Eagles and prevented so many positive moments for Spurs and kept Palace in the game at times in which it looked like they could be blown away early.
Palace couldn’t quite hold on to the lead they earned in the second half, but considering how dominant Spurs were, Palace have Richards to thank that it was close for so long.
His two defensive partners today let him down slightly with Joachim Andersen poor for the first goal and third goal conceded, and Joel Ward for the second simply not strong enough.
Plenty of work to do for Oliver Glasner at Palace despite positive signs
After thumping Burnley 3-0, Palace must’ve been on top of the world but this defeat could be even more valuable than the win.
Glasner has now seen his side under adversity and seen exactly where he needs to improve going forward, something he wouldn’t have done previously.
Plenty of positives to take from the defeat, but a real reminder to Glasner that this squad still needs serious improvements to be made.
