Talking points from Crystal Palace’s 2-1 EFL Cup win at Villa: Defensive trio shine as Kamada comes good

BY ADAM SELLS

Crystal Palace progressed to the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup on Wednesday night after a 2-1 win at Aston Villa.

Goals from Eberechi Eze and Daichi Kamada booked the Eagles’ place in the last eight of the competition for the first time since the 2011-12 season.
Palace will head to Arsenal next month as they look to progress.

Here are the talking points from Villa Park.

THE MAGIC WORD

Confidence is the key. Buoyed from their first Premier League three points of the season, the Eagles got off to a flying start at Villa Park and were rewarded with an early Eze goal.

Daniel Munoz swung in a perfect cross after eight minutes and the Greenwich-born attacker planted his measured header beyond Joe Gauci.

The Eagles led for the second time in the match in the 64th minute when Kamada capitalised on a Villa mistake at the back from Diego Carlos, with the Japanese international drilling a low shot from the edge of the box into the bottom left-hand corner.

From that moment, Palace regained control and never looked like giving up their place in the next round.
After a somewhat uncomfortable start to the season, Oliver Glasner’s side will head to Molineux tomorrow evening with a newfound spring in their step.

A WIN…..BUT AT WHAT COST?

With a promising start and the 1-0 lead putting wind in their sails, it seemed things were conspiring against Glasner as he lost two of his star England internationals to injury.

Midfielder Adam Wharton and goalscorer Eze were forced off with groin and hamstring injuries respectively before the half-hour mark.

The latest casualties bring the list of injuries to seven, which is more than a third of the Austrian manager’s senior 20 outfield players at his disposal.

Add Rob Holding to that list and 40 per cent of those outfield players are potentially unavailable.

Injuries are starting to bite, especially given the small squad. Glasner will once again have to call upon youngsters to fill his bench as they look to create some room between themselves and the bottom three at winless Wolves.

A TOP TRIO

One huge positive for Palace has been the form of the three central defenders in the last two outings.

The decision to switch Maxence Lacroix into the central role seems to have unearthed the perfect balance.

The elegant Frenchman has begun to flourish, mixing pace and power with a tremendous passing range.

While many would have questioned the decision to sell Joachim Andersen in the summer to rivals Fulham, the recruitment of 24-year-old Lacroix looks very sound business.

Trevoh Chalobah is improving game by game.

Very much like Nathaniel Clyne’s contributions towards the end of last season, the Chelsea loanee’s pace provides added security at the back while Munoz ventures forward and contributes to Palace’s attacking phase of play.

Following a summer of transfer speculation, it was Marc Guehi’s move back to the left-hand side of the trio that has seen the Palace captain, the subject of bids from Newcastle, return to his imperious best.

Palace have won all four of the games they have taken the lead in this season, and with this back three excelling, when getting their noses in front, there is a solid foundation for victory.

KAMADA COMES GOOD

Summer signing Kamada has not had the easiest of starts to life at SE25.

The attacking midfielder came in for some heavy criticism from fans after giving away possession in the lead-up to Villa’s equaliser – losing the ball with a heavy touch when it seemed a promising counter attack was set to ensue.

However, following his superb strike to put the visitors back in front, every touch and tackle was greeted with great enthusiasm after that.

For a player who has had his signing called into question, it was great to have his moment with the travelling faithful.

That big beaming smile suits you, Daichi!

PICTURES: PA