Player ratings from Crystal Palace’s 2-1 win over Leicester – Eze stars and others shine as Eagles secure first three points of 2023

Crystal Palace picked up their first win of 2023 after beating relegation rivals Leicester City 2-1 at Selhurst Park on Saturday.

Here are Edmund Brack’s player ratings from SE25.

VICENTE GUAITA – 7 

Did well to stop Patson Daka from breaking towards goal in the 14th minute after slipping past Joachim Andersen.

Another excellent save minutes into the second half to deny James Maddison at the back post.

Could do nothing about Ricardo Pereira’s opener in the 55th minute.

JOEL WARD – 6

Could have been presented with a headache after being matched up with Harvey Barnes, who caused Ward a problem at the reverse fixture at the King Power, but he was solid all afternoon. Made three interceptions, won four aerial battles and did not lose possession once.

JOACHIM ANDERSEN – 7

Played a handful of excellent passes to set Palace away. Made three clearances and won four aerial battles to keep his side in the game.

A welcome return to the side.

MARC GUEHI – 7

A leader who can achieve whatever he wants to in football. 

Helped keep Leicester quiet for most of the afternoon and had the most touches – 84 – of any Palace player.

TYRICK MITCHELL – 7 

One of his best performances in a long time. Excellent defensively and composed in his decision-making.

CHEICK DOUCOURE – 7

A handful of incisive passes to find Schlupp or Eze in space. 

Had the best pass percentage – 94 – of any Palace player. Very composed on the ball and with his decision-making.

JEFFREY SCHLUPP – 7 

Was another player who was excellent in the first half, turning and driving at the Leicester defence at any opportunity.

EBERECHI EZE – 8

Was excellent in the first half. Starting in a more central role, the ex-QPR man was allowed to drive towards the Leicester defence.

Won the free-kick and took the resulting shot, leading to Daniel Iversen deflecting the ball into his net to bring Palace level.

A real playmaker on the day and Palace’s main creative spark.

MICHAEL OLISE – 7

Only completed two of his seven dribbles, but he did a lot right during the game. 

Could not get any attacking contributions off, but his link-up play and intelligent runs were a massive part of Palace’s attacking confidence.

ODSONNE EDOUARD – 7

Arguably one of his best games for Crystal Palace. He ran himself into the ground and hassled the Leicester defence whenever they had the ball.

WILFRIED ZAHA – 7 

Wearing the captain’s armband, the Ivorian led by example. He had seven shots in the first half, giving Timothy Castagne a real headache.

He was sensational before he was cruelly forced off before half time after pulling up and holding his groin.

SUBS:

JORDAN AYEW – 7

Thrust into the action before half-time, he came alive in the final 10 minutes and found Mateta with a beautifully-weighted through ball in the last second.

JEAN-PHILIPPE MATETA – NA 

Excellent positioning, touch, and finish to give Palace all three points.

WILL HUGHES – NA 

Brought energy to the side for the final 10 minutes.