Combative Schlupp will be vital – Four takeaways Crystal Palace’s 3-1 win against Watford

In Patrick Vieira’s last chance to see his team before the Premier League season begins, Crystal Palace beat fellow top-flight outfit Watford 3-1.

 

A brace from Wilfried Zaha and a superb Christain Benteke header ensured that the Eagles go into their ninth consecutive season in the top-flight unbeaten in pre-season.

 

In what looks close to being his starting lineup against Chelsea next Saturday, the 45-year-old chose to start Jean-Philippe Mateta as the lone striker with Jordan Ayew and the returning Wilfried Zaha playing off the French forward.

 

In midfield, due to Conor Gallagher being ineligible to play against his parent club at Stamford Bridge, the trio of Jeffrey Schlupp, Jairo Riedewald and James McArthur started their third game of pre-season alongside each other.

 

Marc Guehi partnered Cheikou Kouyate in defence, with Joel Ward and Tyrick Mitchell assuming the full-back roles.

ZAHA CONTINUES HIS SCORING EXPLOITS

 

The Ivorian talisman has had a fruitful pre-season, scoring in every game under the new head coach.

 

After his most successful season in front of goal, while playing as a striker, Zaha could have been concerned that moving out wide would have suffocated his goalscoring prowess. However, under Patrick Vieria, it appears that Zaha will continue to be a reliable outlet.

 

The 28-year-old emphatically fired his penalty past Daniel Bachman and danced his way through the Watford defence to score his second after halftime.

 

SCHLUPP WILL BE VITAL

 

Straight back into the starting lineup after recovering from a minor setback, Jeffrey Schlupp stood out in his central midfield role. The 28-year-old used his quick burst of energy to attend to his defensive duties whilst also dragging the team up the pitch with his powerful runs forward.

 

Having Schlupp’s ability to break up the play and set free one of Mateta, Zaha or Jordan Ayew could be crucial as the visitors look to take points off the European Champions next weekend.

 

MITCHELL SHINES AGAIN

 

Tyrick Micthell gallivanted up and down the left-hand touchline during the first half – playing as an extra attacker at times to support Zaha down the left.

 

Forming a nice triangle between himself, Zaha and McArthur, the trio passed their way around the Watford midfield as they looked to carve out opportunities.

 

The left-back played a vital role in Palace taking the lead. After collecting a loose header from a corner, Mitchell whipped a delicate ball to the back post for the waiting Zaha, which resulted in a penalty for Palace.

 

VIEIRA WATCH

While the French Premier League winner watched on from his technical area, choosing to pass on words of encouragement to Tyrick Mitchell and Wilfried Zaha, he would have been pleased with the tempo his side started the game in SE25.

 

In the first real test before the relentless schedule of the top-flight begins, his side confidently and professionally saw out the lead against a league rival.