Crystal Palace’s European journey hit an early stumbling block as they suffered a irritating 1-0 defeat by the hands of AEK Larnaca.
Regardless of dominating the sport in opposition to their resolute Cypriot opponents, they could not discover a approach by and have been punished by Riad Bajic’s beautiful strike as he seized on a defensive error.
The Eagles put their opponents beneath large late stress, however the defeat is a setback for Oliver Glasner’s facet after they beat Dynamo Kyiv earlier this month of their UEFA Convention League opener.
Each day Mail Sport’s WILL PICKWORTH was at Selhurst Park and has picked out some key speaking factors from the conflict.
Crystal Palace suffered a irritating 1-0 defeat to AEK Larnaca within the UEFA Convention League
Palace’s European problem
At their finest Palace are dynamic and incisive in assault, however with their current success has come respect, notably within the Convention League the place they’re among the best sides.
With that acclaim there may be an alteration to how opposing groups strategy video games by letting them have many of the ball. It’s no secret Glasner’s facet are higher in transition – they usually common simply 42.7 per cent of possession within the Premier League this season.
In Europe it’s a completely different story, they usually struggled to interrupt down Larnaca regardless of having 67 per cent of it.
They did miss some large possibilities once more, most notably by Mateta, but they not often progressed issues by midfield till Adam Wharton and Daichi Kamada have been launched.
It was the same story in opposition to Fredrikstad in qualifying and whereas the Cypriot facet did defend nicely, Palace should discover that magic spark on the continent.
It was a irritating night time for Palace as they struggled to interrupt down their opponents
Profligacy strikes once more
The sport modified when Eddie Nketiah, Kamada and Wharton have been launched and the ultimate 20 minutes was a barrage on Larnaca’s aim.
However as has been the case within the Premier League, the place Palace have scored 12 occasions from an xG of 19.10, they have been responsible of spurning likelihood after likelihood.
Mateta hit the bar from six yards out and had three different alternatives, whereas Nketiah squandered two late on.
From 15 efforts on aim, only one was heading in the right direction, and that’s not ok.
When Palace did create possibilities on Thursday, they have been vastly wasteful in entrance of aim
Glasner’s ruthless streak
There was a lot pleasure amongst followers when younger French centre again Jaydee Canvot was named within the beginning XI.
Canvot, 20, impressed in an EFL Cup tie in opposition to Millwall in his solely different look, and with Marc Guehi set to go away subsequent summer time, this marketing campaign will likely be helpful as he adapts to English soccer earlier than hopefully turning into an everyday subsequent season.
However after enduring a few shaky moments within the first half, catastrophe struck early within the second.
The Frenchman inexplicably gave the ball away in a harmful space and was punished by Bajic’s stunner in what was an actual sucker punch.
Canvot is nicely considered at Palace, however simply minutes later Glasner had no hesitation in substituting him.
The Austrian did one thing much like Romaine Esse at half-time final month in opposition to Millwall when sad with the teen’s show.
