Crystal Palace increased their hopes of advancing to the Conference League finals with a comfortable 3-0 away win against Shelbourne in Dublin.
Palace completely outclassed their opponents in the first half with goals from Cristanta Uche, Eddie Nketiah and Yeremi Pino. The only surprise was that there was no extra point for the second goal. Substitute Romain Esse hit both posts with a single shot, Jefferson Lerma headed into the roof of the net and Uche fired in a wonderful opening shot.
With this win, coach Oliver Glasner’s team moved up to ninth place. That means they are just one point away from a coveted top-eight finish and only need a point at home against KuPS in their final league game next Thursday to secure a play-off spot in the last 16.
Crisstantas Uche celebrates his goal against Crystal Palace vs. Shelbourne
Palace were without Jean-Philippe Mateta, who was injured on Thursday, but Uche took the chance and took the lead with a fine finish from Nketiah’s low cross. The two linked up well throughout the match and Nketiah scored Palace’s second goal when Uche’s shot hit the post.
Pinot brought on Uche for the chance and the Spaniard forced the Shelbourne defense back again and slotted the ball into his own goal before the end of the first half, but Marc Guehi failed to convert from close range and Chris Richards headed the ball against the bar.
At this point, the game was effectively won, and Coach Glasner seized the opportunity to rest his key players, making three changes at halftime. But Palace remained a threat, with Nketiah’s near-post shot well saved, Lerma looping a header from a corner and Chris Richards curling a shot wide of the target.
Sabu Esse was underused against Palace and looked determined to make an impact, but was cruelly denied as his shot somehow hit both right lights before Uche missed his second chance of the night.
However, the only real disappointment for the visitors was that Justin Devennie was forced to hobble off with an injury, although it did allow 17-year-old Benji Casey to make his debut.
Shelbourne are yet to score at this stage of the competition as stand-in keeper Walter Benitez denied Daniel Kelly’s final kick. However, the outlook is positive for Palace as they have a very busy game ahead that will test their resources.
Palace’s attacking depth is encouraging in the face of a busy run
Crisstantas Uche stretches towards the ball against Shelbourne
Peter Smith of Sky Sports:
“On Sunday, Eddie Nketiah made his first start in the Premier League this season, replacing the injured Ismaila Sarr in an attacking role on the inside right wing, scoring against Fulham.
“On Thursday, Crisstantus Uche made his first start in Europe in place of the injured Jean-Philippe Mateta and scored against Shelbourne.
“Palace have a busy schedule of games next week, including two games in two days, and their depth has been a hot topic. However, Nketiah and Uche have shown over the past two games that Oliver Glasner has options. “As well as their individual contributions, such as Nketiah’s extra goal on Thursday, their combined play in Dublin was encouraging.
“It was not welcome to see Justin Devenney go off limping, but Glassner knows he has players who can step in and make an immediate impact, at least in attacking areas, and that could be crucial in the flow of games going forward.”
Nketiah aims for Conference League glory
Crystal Palace’s Eddie Nketiah scores his team’s second goal against Shelbourne
Crystal Palace striker Eddie Nketiah told TNT Sports:
“It’s always nice to get on the scoresheet and it’s always nice to win. It was important that we started very well.
“I’m really grateful to be back on the field and I’m happy to score the goal and win the game.
“We have to keep believing. With God, anything is possible. If we continue to work hard as we are, we have a chance. We want to go all the way in this tournament. It’s a great tournament and a great trophy. Hopefully at the end of the season we can lift it and enjoy it with the fans.”
Glasner: Had a great night against a deep defense.
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glassner talks about TNT Sports:
“The players deserve praise for their attitude today. The pitch wasn’t in the best condition, but they were playing against a team that wanted to be there and I thought we played a very good game.”
“We scored a great goal in the first half. We talked at half-time to keep up the pace and we actually did that and created a lot of chances, but unfortunately we missed some chances and were unlucky with Romain Esse’s finish.”
“I think it was a great game for us against a very defensive team. So many chances, three goals, a clean sheet, it was a very good night.”
What will happen to Crystal Palace?
Crystal Palace’s final Conference League match will be played at home to Finland’s KuPS Kuopio on December 18th.
