Uche Ignites Dominant Palace Victory at Irish Side Shelbourne.
Even though embarking on their maiden European campaign, Crystal Palace are adapting at a rapid pace. Without star players like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the London club left Dublin with a commanding result that all but secures them a place in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds.
Another three points in their upcoming fixture against Finnish KuPS should be sufficient to secure straight entry to the last 16, especially after a previous stumble against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Grasp the Moment
This occasion offered a platform for some of Palace's fringe players to impress. Christantus Uche, in only his second start since arriving on loan from Getafe, notched the account with a well-taken goal. Striker Eddie Nketiah added a another, finding the net for the second consecutive match.
The Shelbourne team that had finished their domestic season proved no match even for a largely rotated Palace lineup. The visitors were further depleted by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with leg injuries.
Control Established from the Start
Despite heavy rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly took control. A slick passing sequence in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, let Nketiah to lay on Uche for a simple tap-in.
Youngster Adam Wharton went close soon after, driving a powerful effort over the bar. Nketiah then appealed for a penalty after racing into the area, but the referee dismissed the appeals.
Ex-Arsenal man did not have wait long to find his goal, prodding home from close range after Uche's effort had hit the post.
The home side were hanging on for dear life. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to avoid a booking for a couple of agricultural challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the crossbar with a header from a corner.
Yeremy Pino Seals the Contest
The match was as good as over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino meandered past a series of weak challenges before calmly dispatching a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
Following the break, manager Oliver Glasner took the chance to rest several individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse came close to scoring with his first touch, only to see his effort blocked.
The youngster was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one shot strike off both posts before being clasped on the line. Uche also blazed a sitter of a chance, indicating there is still room for development in his game.
A solitary worry for Palace was a late knock to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This allowed 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to earn his first-team debut, capping an otherwise positive night for the traveling side.
