Uche Ignites Comfortable Palace Victory at Irish Side Shelbourne.
Even though embarking on their maiden continental adventure, Crystal Palace are learning very quickly. Missing key players like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles left Dublin with a comfortable win that virtually guarantees them a spot in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds.
Another three points in their next match against Finnish KuPS ought to be sufficient to seal straight passage to the knockout stages, especially after a previous setback against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Seize the Opportunity
This match provided a chance for some of Palace's fringe talent to shine. Christantus Uche, making only his second beginning since arriving on loan from Getafe, notched the scoring with a well-taken finish. Forward Eddie Nketiah added a second, scoring for the second game in succession.
A Shelbourne side that had concluded their domestic season were outmatched even for a largely rotated Palace outfit. The visitors were already weakened by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with knee problems.
Control Established from the Outset
Despite heavy rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly took control. A flowing move in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, let Nketiah to set up Uche for a straightforward tap-in.
Youngster Adam Wharton came close soon after, fizzing a powerful effort over the bar. Nketiah subsequently appealed for a penalty after racing into the box, but the official waved away the protests.
Ex-Arsenal striker didn't need to wait long to find his goal, prodding home from a yard out after Uche's effort had struck the post.
The home side were clinging on desperately. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was lucky to escape a booking for two robust tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the crossbar with a header from a corner.
Yeremy Pino Wraps Up the Game
The contest was effectively over eight minutes from half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past some weak challenges before coolly slotting a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
Following the break, manager Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to withdraw several individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse almost scoring with his very first touch, but saw his shot blocked.
Esse was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one attempt crash off both posts before being clasped on the line. Uche then blazed a glaring chance, indicating there is still room for development in his game.
The only concern for Palace was a second-half knock to Justin Devenny, who limped off. This paved the way for 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to make his senior debut, capping an otherwise positive night for the traveling side.
