Four takeaways from Crystal Palace’s 2-0 FA Cup win over Hartlepool United – Premier League quality and Michael Olise the difference as Eagles progress to the fifth round
Two first-half goals from Crystal Palace booked their place in the next round of the FA Cup after they saw off League Two side Hartlepool United yesterday.
Marc Guehi opened the scoring in the fourth minute after meeting Michael Olise’s free-kick into the box.
Olise doubled Palace’s tally in the 22nd minute when he broke into the area and struck a left-footed shot back across Ben Killip.
Here are Edmund Brack’s takeaways from Selhurst Park.
PREMIER LEAGUE QUALITY AND OLISE MAKES THE DIFFERENCE
In reality, the game was wrapped up after four minutes at Selhurst Park. The visitors set up in a back five, which immediately invited danger and allowed Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze to dictate the play.
The hosts’ physical dominance, composure on the ball and calmness under pressure were evident from the first kick of the game.
Even with the introduction of Martin Kelly, who started his first competitive game for the club since the loss to Bournemouth in the EFL Cup in September 2020, Palace were compact and very rarely exposed.
Bringing on the firepower of Odsonne Edouard, the passing range of Will Hughes, and the physical presence of Christian Benteke made the afternoon an even more arduous effort for the visitors.
Olise has given Premier League defenders plenty of problems – most recently providing a headache for Andy Robertson in the 3-1 defeat to Liverpool – so it was no surprise that he was Hartlepool’s undoing on Saturday.
The 20-year-old played six key passes, completed four dribbles, won 100 per cent of his tackles and played a part in both goals during the 90 minutes.
EZE WILL GAIN CONFIDENCE FROM MINUTES
The 71 minutes that Eberechi Eze played on Saturday will do him the world of good as he steps up his return from injury.
The crunching opposition tackles, the ability to have time and space on the ball, and being one of the leading creative outlets in the side, will be a massive boost to his confidence.
He was constantly looking to bring others into play and was showing the swagger and resilience to bounce back up from a challenge that saw him quickly become a fans’ favourite in his debut campaign.
There was still the hint of rustiness here and there – misplaced passes and rushed decisions – but that innate footballing talent is slowly coming back for the Greenwich-born midfielder.
LACK OF CONVICTION AS THE EAGLES SHOULD HAVE SCORED MORE
If Patrick Vieira was pushed to really critique his side’s performance, then the lack of conviction would have been the obvious observation.
Having 21 shots throughout the 90 minutes, a combination of an inspired performance from Hartlepool United goalkeeper Ben Killip and poor finishing left the Eagles to settle for their two-goal advantage.
Michael Olise’s left foot was the main source of Hartlepool’s defensive frailties, and Jean-Philippe Mateta went close on a handful of occasions.
While Palace certainly won’t be afforded that much time, space and luxury on the ball in a Premier League game, an in-form ruthless streak could be useful heading into two games against teams that Vieira’s side are expected to beat.
THERE IS A CHANCE PALACE CAN PUSH FOR THE CUP
Should the Eagles pick up maximum points from the next two Premier League games, the focus for Patrick Vieira’s side could be allowed to drift towards the FA Cup.
With Palace’s squad depth returning – thanks to Eberechi Eze and James McArthur returning from injury and Jordan Ayew and Wilfried Zaha out of the Africa Cup of Nations – there are plenty of options to choose from and an unpredictability to what Vieira could unleash.
With the Eagles taking on Stoke City at home in the fifth round of the draw, a team currently mid-table in the Championship, the quarter-finals is within touching distance.
Whisper it quietly, but there could be a chance of another memorable cup run at Selhurst Park.
PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD