Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner talks through half-time double substitution in Manchester United draw

Oliver Glasner explained the double substitution he made in Crystal Palace’s goalless draw with Manchester United on Saturday evening.

Jean-Philippe Mateta and Adam Wharton both started the game but were replaced by Jefferson Lerma and Ismaila Sarr.

Sarr played through the middle in the second half, with Eddie Nketiah and Eberechi Eze playing in the attacking roles behind.

The former Watford man was denied his first Premier League goal for the Eagles in the 64th minute when Andre Onana made a brilliant double save to deny Nketiah and Sarr on the follow-up.

The two sides played out a goalless draw, but both had clear chances to take all three points.

Glasner said: “You saw the first half. We had no runs in behind and we didn’t attack the space they gave us.

“We lost almost every dual in the midfield, and they picked up every second ball.

“Ismaila Sarr has always had a great impact coming [off the bench]. He’s one of those guys – that’s why we signed him – with this profile. He showed in the second half – he was excellent.

“The same with Jeff Lerma. We needed his experience and physical presence. This is why we made these substitutions. 

“We also changed the system a little bit from a 3-4-3 to a 3-5-2 to close the middle because we didn’t control the centre in the first half.

“This was much better in the second half.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD