‘A team that has won at Villa and Brighton can also do that at Arsenal’ – Palace boss Glasner in buoyant mood ahead of EFL Cup tie
BY ALEX PEWTER
Following a convincing 3-1 victory at Brighton, courtesy of a Trevoh Chalobah goal and Ismaila Sarr brace, Oliver Glasner has scaled the first hurdle in a busy week of fixtures.
Speaking after the match, he was pleased but pragmatic about a more challenging game than the more convincing final scoreline.
“It was important for us as a team,” said the Eagles boss. “With this performance, we struggled in the first 10 minutes and 14 minutes after half-time when they changed the system to 3-5-2.
“Henderson made two great saves, but in the rest of the game we controlled it, defended well and didn’t give them a lot of space. We were always threatening them and played very direct into the half.
“We knew they often play man to man with the last line [of defence]. So, we thought we could go there and take the chances and the opportunities. This is what we did today, so a very positive performance and, of course, a big win.”
While the Austrian manager did not dwell on the rivalry aspect of the Palace-Brighton fixture in the build-up, he was aware of its importance.
“We know how important this win is for our fans. We talked about it before the game, but we didn’t talk about it the whole week. The fans always supported us, even when we had a bad start to the Premier League and lost many games. It was a chance for us to give a little bit back and give them a first Christmas gift.”
With a counter-attacking style dominating recent matches and displayed once against Brighton, Glasner was asked about the team’s success against high defensive lines due to the team’s pace.
“It fits the players. Man City won’t change how they play because of Crystal Palace, nor will Brighton, so it’s up to us to find the right set-up.
“It’s easy to ‘win’ every Tuesday when we watch the other teams. We win every Tuesday. Then it can look different on a Saturday, and it’s always how the players can transform [games] on the pitch. Today, we did much better after the first 10-15 minutes and 15 minutes after half time. Also, we get better with set pieces 0 we have many tall players, and we must use our strengths.”
However, Glasner was reluctant to say the team had turned the corner despite a good run of results.
“We have to prove it. I think it’s 16 points after 16 games – one point average. It’s not time to lay back and nothing to be satisfied with. There is still a lot to do to get more wins and to perform better.
“We still have players to come back. Like Adam Wharton, like [Matheus] Franca in the new year. So, there’s a lot to do. We will get more points and a position at the end of the season that we are pleased with, but there’s still a lot to do.”
Looking ahead to the second step in a busy week of fixtures, Glasner can turn his attention to the EFL Cup match against Arsenal on Wednesday.
“In the cup, if you lose, you’re out – that’s unique, but it’s good that there is no extra time because in a three-game week in just six days, Sunday to Saturday, it’s good we are playing a maximum of 100 minutes.
“I talked to the players before. We had an unbeaten three-game week, with one win and two draws, but I think we can do better. We’ve started with a win – we started with a draw last time. It’s up to us to make it better, and we face Arsenal, who are doing unbelievably well.
“I watched them against Monaco in the Champions League and now against Everton. They are a great team with a clear structure in how they play.
“There’s a lot of quality, and they have a fantastic manager, and their set plays are unbelievable. Playing at the Emirates will be a big challenge, but we will take on the challenge. A team that can win at Villa Park, win here at the Amex, can also win at the Emirates.”
PICTURE: ALAMY