Palace boss expecting even more from defensive group despite victory at rivals Brighton
BY ALEX PEWTER
In a game where the scoreline did not necessarily reflect the defensive effort that Crystal Palace had to do for periods in the game, Oliver Glasner was pleased with his team’s work.
Ismaila Sarr scored twice for the Eagles with Trevoh Chalobah also on target before a late Marc Guehi own goal wiped a clean sheet for goalkeeper Dean Henderson.
Brighton had 79 per cent possession in the second half as they pushed to get back into the game after trailing 2-0 at the end of the first half.
Glasner said: “This was the problem at the beginning of the second half, and we didn’t get pressure on the ball. Then JP [Mateta] looked a little bit tired, and Ebs [Eze] got a tough hit in the first half, so his foot is quite swollen and then we needed fresh legs. Then we got the game more under control.”
Anchoring that performance is the central defenders, who are developing into a solid group after being put together late in the summer.
Despite their recent good performances, Glasner still expects more from the trio.
“Our back three, it’s completely new [compared to last season],” said the Eagles boss. “Marc was injured at the end of the season when we arrived, and then he went to the Euros, and he arrived back to us 10 days before the start of the Premier League. Then the other two arrived two weeks after the start on deadline day and Marc went away with England.
“So, we didn’t have time to train with them. Trevoh wasn’t allowed to train with the first team at Chelsea. So, there were many challenges we faced, but everyone was always calm, and the players listened and worked. It was clear that when they got used to each other, they would know how we want to play and defend, and it’s gotten better and better.
“We can see this now in the past week, but I’m still sure this is not the best level they can play at. I know them, and I think they can play better as a group – this is what we will push them for.”
PICTURE: ALAMY