Christantus Uche Ignites Straightforward Crystal Palace Win at Irish Side Shelbourne.
Despite entering their maiden continental adventure, Crystal Palace are learning at a rapid pace. Without key figures like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles left Dublin with a comfortable result that all but secures them a spot in the Europa Conference League playoffs.
Another three points in their next fixture against Finnish KuPS should be sufficient to seal straight passage to the knockout stages, particularly following a previous setback against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Grasp the Moment
This match offered a chance for some of Palace's lesser-used talent to impress. Christantus Uche, in only his second start since joining on loan from Getafe, notched the account with a clinical finish. Forward Eddie Nketiah contributed a second, finding the net for the second game in match.
A Shelbourne side that had finished their domestic season were no match even for a largely rotated Palace lineup. The Londoners were already weakened by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are out with knee injuries.
Dominance Established from the Start
In spite of torrential rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly established dominance. A slick passing sequence in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, let Nketiah to set up Uche for a simple finish.
Youngster Adam Wharton went close minutes later, fizzing a powerful effort over the bar. Nketiah then appealed for a penalty after bursting into the area, but the official dismissed the protests.
Ex-Arsenal man didn't need to wait long to get his goal, prodding home from a yard out after Uche's effort had hit the post.
The home side were clinging on desperately. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to avoid a booking for two robust challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the woodwork with a header from a corner.
Pino Wraps Up the Contest
The contest was effectively over eight minutes from half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past a series of weak challenges before coolly dispatching a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
Following the break, manager Oliver Glasner took the chance to rest several players like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse came close to scoring his very 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 then missed a sitter of a chance, indicating there is still room for improvement in his game.
The only worry for Palace was a late knock to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This paved the way for 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to make his senior debut, rounding off an otherwise positive evening for the visiting side.
