Palace still waiting for first win of 2022 – placing extra pressure on derby at Brentford
Crystal Palace failed to turn a commanding second-half performance into all three points as they drew 1-1 with relegation candidates Norwich City on Wednesday night.
The Eagles conceded after 38 seconds at Carrow Road. Adam Idah teed up Teemu Pukki for the opener.
Palace had carved Norwich open with ease in a 3-0 win in SE25 in late December. While the Canaries have been revitalised under Dean Smith – they had won their last three games in all competitions – the quality in the Eagles’ ranks should have been able to see them off comfortably.
Palace finally began to stamp their authority on the game in the second half.
It took a moment of wizardry from Wilfried Zaha to bring Palace back into the game. He plucked the ball out of the sky from Michael Olise’s cross-field pass, cut on to his right foot and curled a stunning shot into the top right-hand corner.
The Ivorian had the chance to give Crystal Palace the lead from the spot only three minutes later – Tyrick Mitchell winning the spot-kick – he dragged his effort wide after his standing leg gave way just before he struck the ball.
Vieira’s substitutions once again failed to have the desired effect.
Bringing on Jordan Ayew for Olise, who is Palace’s most in-form player and creative spark, made little sense. The 20-year-old £8million summer signing from Reading should have been kept on as the Eagles were in the ascendancy.
Odsonne Edouard and Eberechi Eze, who both came on in the 80th minute, did not have enough time to impact the game.
The trip to the Brentford Community Stadium tomorrow to take on Thomas Frank’s side, just below Palace in the table, is a big chance to pick up their first Premier League win of 2022.
Palace have only picked up one more win than relegation favourites Norwich and Watford.
STAR MAN
Tyrick Mitchell. The 22-year-old wasn’t dribbled past during the 90 minutes, won four tackles and a spot-kick for his side. Also made a vital challenge on Pukki.
BEST MOMENT
Zaha’s goal. Outstanding technique.
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