‘It’s an amazing place’ – Crystal Palace striker on burning desire to make Selhurst Park a nightmare for opposition

BY ANDREW MCSTEEN

Jordan Ayew has challenged his Crystal Palace team-mates to make Selhurst Park a fortress this season after they got their first win of the Premier League season.

“We wanted to win in front of our fans. Last season we were really strong at home and this year we want to be even more stronger at home,” said Ayew after Saturday’s a 3-1 win over Aston Villa in SE25.

“It’s an amazing place. I can tell you that it is not easy for any team to come here because it makes it difficult for the other teams. We’re playing good football now and it’s enjoyable to watch us.”

The enjoyable factor comes from an exciting attacking line-up led by the flourishing partnership between Wilfried Zaha and Eberechi Eze.

“We all know how Wilf can play, he has been doing it for years here and is a huge player for the football club,” said the Ghana international, who joined Palace initially on loan in 2018 before moving permanently in 2019.

“Ebere always just needed time and games. He is doing brilliantly well and against Villa he was sensational. We all just need to keep supporting the guy. He has a very bright future ahead of him.

“We’ve been together for maybe three, four years now and we have a manager who has given us the freedom to play. We’re enjoying ourselves and the most important thing is to enjoy ourselves, but to [also] be efficient, that’s what we’re trying to do.

“We are an exciting team, and it is just a case of finding the right balance, [against Villa] we did it brilliantly, but the season is very long and we need more performances like that.”

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD