Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner took the time to single out one of his players for his performance against West Ham after the Eagles won 5-2 at Selhurst Park.
What a Sunday it was for Crystal Palace, who recorded a stellar 5-2 win over West Ham in the Premier League, recording back-to-back wins in the league for the first time this season.
Oliver Glasner watched his side build on last week’s victory over Liverpool at Anfield with a comprehensive win against the Hammers, who were blown away by the Eagles early on.
For the first time in Palace’s Premier League history, the club scored four goals in the first half in what was an outstanding performance on the day from Glasner’s forwards.
While the front line of Jean-Philippe Mateta, Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze will earn the majority of the praise, the manager waxed lyrical about the display of another player in the squad against West Ham, speaking highly of Nathaniel Clyne.
Oliver Glasner was delighted with Nathaniel Clyne after West Ham victory
On what was only his ninth start of the Premier League season, Clyne was a shining light for the Eagles at the back once again.
The rarely-used 33-year-old was impressive the week prior against Liverpool and added to his form against the Hammers, despite playing away from his favoured position.
Glasner spoke highly of the Englishman’s impact at Selhurst on Sunday after the game, as relayed by journalist Edmund Brack.
“Let’s talk about Clyney. He didn’t play many minutes. I don’t know if he’s ever played half-right centre-back. I think never. And how he performs.”
Clyne has shown his experience and versatility in recent weeks, playing a vital role to cover for a host of injuries that have plagued Glasner’s squad this year.
Nathaniel Clyne has become an unlikely hero for Crystal Palace
Coming into play against Manchester City, Liverpool and West Ham, Clyne has been a strong part of Palace’s back line at a time of need.
Before the duel against City, the former Liverpool gem hadn’t played in Palace’s previous eight fixtures, telling of how quickly he had to rediscover his match form in three difficult games.
Nathaniel Clyne’s statistics against West Ham, via Sofascore:
- 90 minutes played
- 78 touches
- 80% ground duel wins
- 4 tackles
As highlighted above, the Englishman was instrumental in playing on the right side of a back three against the Hammers, providing strong cover for the injured Marc Guehi amid Glasner’s defensive injury woes.
The 33-year-old will hope to retain his spot in the XI for the upcoming challenges in the Premier League run-in, with his display against West Ham certainly impressing the manager.
