‘It was instinct’ – Romain Esse talks through first Crystal Palace goal and Premier League debut in Brentford loss

Romain Esse said he could not have had better start in a Crystal Palace shirt – but was gutted his new side were unable to secure any points in their 2-1 defeat at home to Brentford on Sunday.

The 19-year-old joined the Eagles from South London rivals Millwall in a £14.5million deal last Saturday.

He was named in the matchday squad in the Premier League against the Bees and was brought on with eight minutes of normal time left to play with Palace 2-0 down.

It took Esse 119 seconds to open his Premier League account and pull one back for Oliver Glasner’s side – meeting Daniel Munoz’s cross along the face of goal to score.

But Palace were unable to secure a comeback and fell to defeat.

“It couldn’t have [got off to a better start],” said Esse to SkySports.

“First touch – first goal. It was the start I would have loved to get off too. 

“I’m happy to have done it. 

“But we’re gutted about the result. Hopefully, we can fix it next week.

“If the game went on for an extra 10 minutes, we would have got another few goals. It was just a bit unfortunate for us.”

Esse was the first teenager to score on his Premier League debut (19 years, 258 days) since Rayan Ait-Nouri for Wolves in October 2020 (19y 146d).

He added: “I went over to the left side for a bit and I just found myself at the back post – it was instinct. It’s kind of what I’m about. 

“The more games, I will start to show more of what I’m about. I’m happy I have started off well.

“I’m hungry and willing to do anything for the team. So I will keep working hard in training.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD