Crystal Palace finally breathed a sigh of relief in Europe, securing their first Conference League victory by defeating AZ Alkmaar 3-1 at Selhurst Park. Despite the absence of Eddie Nketiah due to injury, Oliver Glasner’s squad showcased resilience and stamina, managing to pull off a morale-boosting win.
Ismaila Sarr Shines with Two Goals
Leading the charge was Ismaila Sarr, the Senegal international who had already impressed against Liverpool. Sarr demonstrated his predatory instincts in the box by firing off four shots, two of which found the back of the net. He even rattled the post once, boasting an impressive 1.72 expected goals tally. When Sarr is on target, defenders know they are in for a tough night.
Maxence Lacroix’s Thunderbolt
Defence can win games, and Maxence Lacroix illustrated this brilliantly. His thunderous goal from just inside the 18-yard line had the ground shaking in the 22nd minute. Apart from his scoring prowess, Lacroix completed an impressive 13 out of 13 passes, helping Palace build from the back with composure.
Jefferson Lerma’s Midfield Masterclass
In midfield, Jefferson Lerma has rediscovered his form, which is a welcome boost given Adam Wharton’s absence. Lerma delivered two key passes that split the Alkmaar defence and won five of his nine duels, effectively running the show alongside Will Hughes. His impressive performance has been a key factor in Palace’s recent success.
Night to Forget for Mateta and Muñoz
On the flip side, Jean-Philippe Mateta had a challenging night in front of goal. Although he brilliantly set up Sarr’s second strike with an inch-perfect through ball, he missed a penalty and squandered two other clear chances. Mateta often finds himself in the right positions but failed to convert when it mattered most.
Daniel Muñoz also struggled on the right flank, completing only nine of his 18 passes and losing more duels than he won. His struggles allowed the Dutch side a glimmer of momentum on an otherwise frustrating evening for him.
Dean Henderson’s Performance
In goal, Dean Henderson had limited work until Sven Mijnans managed a clever finish past him. Henderson made three routine saves but will be disappointed not to have kept a clean sheet. This would have capped off an otherwise near-perfect night for the goalkeeper.
Conclusion
Overall, Oliver Glasner will be pleased to see his key players stepping up and the squad’s character shining through. While there is still work to do, performances like those from Sarr, Lacroix, and Lerma suggest that Crystal Palace could be making themselves comfortable in Europe yet.