Crystal Palace saw out the year with a 3-1 win against Brentford at Selhurst Park on Saturday afternoon.
It looked like being another disappointing outing for Crystal Palace on Saturday as they went 1-0 down inside the opening five minutes.
But this didn’t last long as Michael Olise grabbed his first goal of the game to level things up.
This was followed by Eberechi Eze grabbing a goal of his own in impressive fashion to put The Eagles ahead in the game.
Then things got even better for Roy Hodgson‘s side as they made it 3-1 through a special goal from Olise.
It was a great end to the year for Palace, here are four things we learned.
Eberechi Eze hugely impressive for Palace
Crystal Palace will be delighted that Eze is back and playing for them regularly as he put in a truly sublime display against Brentford. Not only did he score a goal but also put in an excellent display all around both on and off the ball.
Eze’s goal was a masterful finish and he – as always – was among the best players on the pitch for Palace.
Eze may not get the spotlight due to just how impactful Olise has been in this game and recently, but he absolutely deserves his flowers for what was an excellent performance which no doubt will have left Brentford’s midfield reeling.
Michael Olise phenomenal again
Like Eze, Olise was a sublime standout for Palace as he once again directly affected the result for Palace. The young Frenchman was on top form as he grabbed a brace with one goal being a tap in but the second was an incredible solo goal with a top class finish complimenting a class run.
Olise looked like he was ‘playing powerleague with his mates’ according to Sky Sports‘ Jobi McAnuff after his second.
With this contribution, Olise made it six goals and assists in his last four games which is a truly remarkable return and showcases he might be finding that consistency.
Roy Hodgson handed winning formula
This game was the perfect example of what fans want to see with the magical creative players given license to play and it worked a treat as both Olise and Eze were so good against Brentford.
After a season of struggles to date, this game was a massive positive change from that and surely has shown Hodgson the way forward if he is to help Palace stay afloat.
A massive win for Palace
This win for Palace is one they desperately needed after a horrid run of form which had Hodgson’s job in jeopardy as recent as yesterday with reports that Wolves were in talks with Steve Cooper.
The win moves Palace up to 13th in the league as things stand and an encouraging six points off the drop just after the midway point of the season.
A similar return in the new year should be enough to see Palace survive this season and remain in the Premier League ahead of a new manager arriving at some point in the new year.
