🔗 Share this article Christantus Uche Ignites Straightforward Palace Victory at Irish Side Shelbourne. Even though embarking on their maiden continental campaign, Crystal Palace are learning very quickly. Missing key figures like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles left Dublin with a commanding win that all but secures them a place in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds. Another victory in their next match against Finnish KuPS ought to be sufficient to seal straight entry to the knockout stages, especially after a prior setback against Strasbourg. Squad Members Seize the Moment This match offered a chance for some of Palace's lesser-used players to impress. Christantus Uche, in only his second start since arriving on loan from Getafe, opened the scoring with a well-taken finish. Forward Eddie Nketiah added a another, scoring for the second consecutive succession. The Shelbourne team that had finished their domestic season proved no match even for a mostly second-string Palace outfit. The Londoners were already weakened by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with knee problems. Dominance Asserted from the Outset Despite torrential rain in Dublin, Palace quickly established dominance. A slick move in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, allowed Nketiah to set up Uche for a simple finish. Youngster Adam Wharton went close soon after, fizzing a long-range shot over the bar. Nketiah subsequently claimed for a penalty after bursting into the box, but the official waved away the appeals. The formerArsenal man didn't need to wait long to get his goal, prodding home from close range after Uche's shot had struck the post. The home side were clinging on desperately. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was lucky to escape a booking for a couple of robust challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the crossbar with a powerful header from a corner. Yeremy Pino Seals the Contest The contest was as good as over eight minutes from half-time. Yeremy Pino meandered past some weak challenges before calmly slotting a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0. After the break, coach Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to rest several players like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse almost scoring his first touch, but saw his shot blocked. The youngster was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one shot strike off each posts before being clasped on the line. Uche then missed a sitter of a chance, indicating there is still scope for improvement in his game. The only worry for Palace was a second-half injury to Justin Devenny, who limped off. This paved the way for 17-year-old striker Benji Casey to earn his senior debut, rounding off an otherwise perfect evening for the visiting side.
Even though embarking on their maiden continental campaign, Crystal Palace are learning very quickly. Missing key figures like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles left Dublin with a commanding win that all but secures them a place in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds. Another victory in their next match against Finnish KuPS ought to be sufficient to seal straight entry to the knockout stages, especially after a prior setback against Strasbourg. Squad Members Seize the Moment This match offered a chance for some of Palace's lesser-used players to impress. Christantus Uche, in only his second start since arriving on loan from Getafe, opened the scoring with a well-taken finish. Forward Eddie Nketiah added a another, scoring for the second consecutive succession. The Shelbourne team that had finished their domestic season proved no match even for a mostly second-string Palace outfit. The Londoners were already weakened by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with knee problems. Dominance Asserted from the Outset Despite torrential rain in Dublin, Palace quickly established dominance. A slick move in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, allowed Nketiah to set up Uche for a simple finish. Youngster Adam Wharton went close soon after, fizzing a long-range shot over the bar. Nketiah subsequently claimed for a penalty after bursting into the box, but the official waved away the appeals. The formerArsenal man didn't need to wait long to get his goal, prodding home from close range after Uche's shot had struck the post. The home side were clinging on desperately. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was lucky to escape a booking for a couple of robust challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the crossbar with a powerful header from a corner. Yeremy Pino Seals the Contest The contest was as good as over eight minutes from half-time. Yeremy Pino meandered past some weak challenges before calmly slotting a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0. After the break, coach Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to rest several players like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse almost scoring his first touch, but saw his shot blocked. The youngster was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one shot strike off each posts before being clasped on the line. Uche then missed a sitter of a chance, indicating there is still scope for improvement in his game. The only worry for Palace was a second-half injury to Justin Devenny, who limped off. This paved the way for 17-year-old striker Benji Casey to earn his senior debut, rounding off an otherwise perfect evening for the visiting side.