Crystal Palace defeated Wolves 3-1 in the United States on Thursday morning, here are five things we learned from the game.
The Eagles continued pre-season against Wolves over in the United States in what was a raised opposition level compared with the EFL opponents of recent weeks.
The evening’s goal-scoring was begun by Jeffrey Schlupp, who converted from distance – albeit with the goalkeeper out of position – with an excellent finish to make it 1-0.
Things got even better in the second half for Crystal Palace, with Jordan Ayew making it 2-0 thanks to a cool finish after a Dean Henderson long ball.
Teenager Asher Agbinone was the third-scorer for the Palace as he converted after a counterattack. Wolves pulled one back late on as the game finished 3-1.
Jeffrey Schlupp might be the club’s best finisher
We all know Schlupp can strike a ball as well as anyone else, and he showed it again during this game when he opened the scoring. Schlupp was far, far out and yet when Dan Bentley’s clearance arrived at his feet he unleashed an excellent strike which landed in the top corner. Yes, it was an open net but the finish was so good that even with a goalkeeper it’s likely to have gone in.
Dean Henderson proves he’s Oliver Glasner’s number one
Henderson only returned to pre-season for the US tour, after Sam Johnstone had played every other game. But immediately Henderson was placed into the starting line-up by Oliver Glasner and it paid off with numerous solid saves made. Henderson looks so much better in goal than Johnstone, quite the turnaround from before the Austrian’s arrival. Now, it wouldn’t be a shock to see Johnstone sold as he clearly isn’t Glasner’s man. Not to mention he assisted the second Palace goal in the game.
Jordan Ayew staking his claim to stay at Crystal Palace
With this week seeing rumours over Ayew’s future surface, the Ghana international could be playing for his future in a bid to prove to the club that he belongs. Ayew has bagged two goals in two games now for the Eagles which is an impressive return considering he’s played the second half in both, which comes with a slightly weaker XI.
Adam Wharton and Daichi Kamada look like a solid duo
While they didn’t score or directly impact the game, the pair showed some encouraging signs as they linked up well in midfield. Two very technical players who want to be on the ball as much as possible. Early signs are that this pairing could enjoy playing together and we certainly enjoyed watching them.
Asher Agbinone takes his chance
Pre-season is often when potential first-team players are born and for Agbinone, he’ll be hoping that his goal against Wolves will have caught the eye of Glasner. An 18-year-old midfielder, Agbinone was solid beyond the goal too, so we’d imagine he’ll definitely have won some fans with the outing. We expect to see him in action again this tour.
