Transfer window reinforcements a huge priority as Crystal Palace’s FA Cup aspirations ended at Everton

BY ADAM SELLS

Palace suffered FA Cup frustration at Goodison Park on Wednesday evening, bowing out in a match that pretty much encapsulated much of what has proved to be a very difficult season so far.

Andre Gomes’ spectacular free-kick proved the difference between the two sides. But for that real moment of inspiration from Everton’s Portuguese midfielder there would have been 108 minutes-plus of deadlock.

It could have been different. It wasn’t without positives. But the lack of quality in the final third told. Palace gave more than as good as they got, but lack of strength in depth in attack meant it was another 90 minutes of endeavour without the real cutting edge that’s required to gain a positive outcome.

It’s a squad with real quality, but painfully short of special attacking talent when Michael Olise or Eberechi Eze cannot be called upon. This was another case in point.

Boss Roy Hodgson lamented Palace’s profligacy in front of goal during his post-match press conference and his side had more than enough chances to have at least forced extra time. But Palace come up short too often. It’s not tactical – it is about personnel. Without a real ruthless streak, they need to create even more to score goals.

With far too few options in attack, Hodgson was already without the injured Olise and Jesurun Rak-Sakyi coming into the game, together with Jordan Ayew, away on international duty with Ghana at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Odsonne Edouard started as the central striker but toiled against the physical combination of Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski.

Jeffrey Schlupp and Eze, either side of the French striker, had their moments, with the latter having several clear sights of goal during the 65 minutes he was on the field.

Eze looked back to his best and showed his tremendous quality in flashes throughout, nutmegging and gliding by players with ease until his withdrawal. As the mesmeric attacker left the pitch, so too went his team’s best chance of breaching the Everton backline.

The small contingent from South London were vociferous in demonstrating their displeasure at the England international’s number being held up. The game was in the balance but, given the shortage of attacking options at his disposal, Hodgson admitted he made pre-planned changes with an eye on tomorrow’s Premier League early kick-off at Arsenal.

The experienced coach understood and accepted the disappointment, but he is really caught between two stools. The real nub of it is that attacking changes have rarely had a positive effect this term. Palace have not won a game in which Eze or Olise have not appeared.

The Eagles arrived on an icy cold Merseyside without the services of seven members of the first team squad and Hodgson set up a three-man central defence.

Though many may have perceived this negatively prior, it worked well. All were given licence to roam and wing-backs Nathaniel Clyne and Tyrick Mitchell got forward well, without the end product always matching the energy of the latter.

The visitors defended comfortably either side of the 25-yard strike which flew in off the inside of Sam Johnstone’s left-hand post. The keeper, returning from injury in the Eagles goal, was not seriously called upon all night.

The free-kick was awarded after a wild Jefferson Lerma challenge.  The Colombian had demonstrated a similar level of rashness when presented with a chance at the other end earlier in the half. Having carved out the better chances, it proved the knockout blow.

Joao Virginia in the home goal drew praise from his boss Sean Dyche after his team progressed. The Portuguese stopper rarely sees first-team football, having to sit behind England number one Jordan Pickford. He made several vital saves and clearly relished his moment in the spotlight, but in reality it was as much about Palace being toothless in attack.

Pace and flair must be the two main attributes of potential incoming players on the recruitment department’s list this month.

For both Hodgson and the fans alike, those reinforcements cannot arrive soon enough.

STAR MAN
Eberechi Eze. Back in the groove.

BEST MOMENT
Eze’s nutmeg and dribble down the left early in the second half.

PICTURE: PA