Christantus Uche Ignites Dominant Palace Victory at Irish Side Shelbourne.
Even though entering their maiden continental campaign, Crystal Palace are learning very quickly. Missing key players like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles departed Dublin with a commanding result that all but guarantees them a place in the Europa Conference League playoffs.
A further three points in their next match against Finland's KuPS should be sufficient to seal direct entry to the last 16, especially after a prior setback against Strasbourg.
Fringe Players Grasp the Opportunity
This match provided a chance for several Palace's lesser-used players to shine. Christantus Uche, in only his second beginning after arriving on loan from Getafe, notched the scoring with a well-taken goal. Forward Eddie Nketiah contributed a another, scoring for the second consecutive match.
A Shelbourne side that had finished their league season proved outmatched against a largely rotated Palace outfit. The Londoners were further depleted by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are out with knee problems.
Control Asserted from the Start
In spite of heavy rain in Dublin, Palace quickly took control. A flowing passing sequence in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, allowed Nketiah to set up Uche for a straightforward tap-in.
Youngster Adam Wharton went close soon after, fizzing a long-range effort over the bar. Nketiah subsequently appealed for a penalty after bursting into the box, but the official dismissed the protests.
The formerArsenal man did not have wait long to find his goal, prodding home from close range after Uche's effort had hit the post.
Shelbourne were hanging on desperately. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to avoid a booking for two agricultural tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the woodwork 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 coolly slotting a shot past goalkeeper Wessel Speel to extend the lead to 3-0.
Following the break, coach Oliver Glasner took the chance to rest several players like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse almost scoring with his very first touch, only to see his shot blocked.
The youngster was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one shot crash off both posts before being clasped on the line. Uche then missed a sitter of a chance, indicating there is still room for improvement in his game.
The only worry for Palace was a second-half knock to Justin Devenny, who limped off. This paved the way for 17-year-old striker Benji Casey to make his first-team debut, capping an otherwise perfect night for the visiting side.
