Crystal Palace boss has no complaints over performance of ex-Gunner Nketiah in victory over Ipswich Town

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner was happy with Eddie Nketiah’s performance in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Ipswich Town.

The former Arsenal striker led the line in the absence of Jean-Philippe Mateta, recovering from the ear injury and concussion he sustained against Millwall last weekend.

Nketiah failed to take a big chance in the opening two minutes after a superb pass by Adam Wharton.

He was replaced by Daichi Kamada in the 72nd minute with Ismaila Sarr, who scored the winner, pushed into the central role.

Asked if the decisive moment was shifting Sarr to the middle – and his assessment of Nketiah’s outing – Glasner said: “Of course it was our move but I don’t think this was the decisive move, because Ismaila has scored goals from the other positions.

“In this situation, we needed a goal and we wanted a little more physicality on the nine position and the pocket player. The pocket player was Daichi Kamada, who I think was involved in the goal. This was the reason we made this sub. Ebs was very threatening today and had many finishes that were a little bit unlucky.

“We said: ‘Okay, Ebs should stay’. But Eddie did really well. He worked hard and solved many situations. He took part in the game and was unlucky. He missed a big chance and when Ebs’ deflected ball hits the post it rolls one yard next to him – when you are a striker on a run then the ball drops for an empty net goal.

“He worked hard for the team and always when a player does that and works for the team then we back him and support him. That is what we do with Eddie.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD