Adam Sells’ takeaways from Crystal Palace’s 1-1 draw at Fulham – Leno ‘injury’ swung first-half momentum as Glasner grows into the job

BY ADAM SELLS

Crystal Palace picked up a late point at Fulham on Saturday after a thunderous strike from Jeffrey Schlupp.

Here are Adam Sells’ takeaway from Craven Cottage:

A DESERVED POINT

Palace earned a deserved 10th point from a possible 12 to take them to the 40-point mark – a mark that seemed unlikely thirteen days before, with the Eagles having been struggling to see where the next win was coming from. 

Now, they are a huge 15 points above the drop zone having secured mathematical safety earlier in the week after beating Newcastle.

Rather than being a ‘game of two halves’ the first half was a half of two quarters, punctuated by an ‘injury’ to Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno.

With the visitors very much in the ascendency and having spurned several presentable chances, it seemed that the German goalkeeper had suffered some kind of serious damage, having collapsed after making a comfortable save.

With the goalkeeper down and not having to leave the field while receiving treatment, Marco Silva, the home side’s head coach, held an impromptu two-minute tactical revision in front of the dugout, and thereafter, Palace’s control of the game disappeared.

A SENSATIONAL STRIKE!

With just three minutes of normal time remaining and Palace looking like they would come away pointless, Jeffery Schlupp delivered a real bolt from the blue.

Having received a pass from the impressive Adam Wharton some 25 yards from goal, the utility man unleashed what could be described as a missile that whizzed past a helpless Leno.

It was only Schlupp’s second of the season, which is a low return as the former Leicester City man tends to contribute with half a dozen or so important goals per season.

The Ghanaian has been a target of criticism amongst the Palace fanbase this term and this was a timely reminder of just how valuable he has been to the club in recent seasons.

ATTACKING OPTIONS MUST BE THE BIGGEST PRIORITY

Palace were without the irrepressible Eberechi Eze who had picked up a knock in midweek and boss Oliver Glasner decided against risking him at Craven Cottage.

Though Palace have been in a rich vein of form of late Eze’s absence was telling.

For all the accolades being rightly bestowed on Glasner and the unsung heroes such as Will Hughes and Nathaniel Clyne of late, the combination of Eze and Michael Olise are the most important ingredients in winning football matches.

It is easy when the team is winning to believe that the lack of depth is not a great issue, but Palace have only managed to garner five points all season when both have been missing. 

Two draws prior to Glasner’s arrival at home to Nottingham Forest and at Everton. 

The Austrian did manage a victory at home to Burnley, who played two thirds of the contest with ten men.

With Jesurun Rak-Sakyi and Matheus Franca developing whilst suffering long-term injuries this term, two more experienced ball carriers in the squad would have transformed the season and must be the biggest priority in adding to the squad this summer.

GROWING GLASNER

Oliver Glasner together with his coaching team’s work has become more evident over recent games. 

The victories have provided much-needed confidence, and almost every player seems to have hit top form. Palace look fit and sharp, with a high-intensity pressing game being enjoyed by fans accordingly.

Understandably, with English not being his mother tongue most of his media appearances have been very straightforward when answering questions fired at him.

He was very relaxed post-match and full of humour when addressing the press. 

His influence is being recognised and an interesting summer awaits if Palace are to push on.