Christantus Uche Sparks Straightforward Palace Victory at Irish Side Shelbourne.
Despite embarking on their maiden continental adventure, Crystal Palace are adapting very quickly. Missing star players like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles departed Dublin with a commanding win that all but guarantees them a spot in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds.
Another three points in their next match against Finnish KuPS should be sufficient to seal direct passage to the last 16, especially after a previous stumble against Strasbourg.
Fringe Players Seize the Opportunity
This match provided a platform for several Palace's fringe talent to shine. Christantus Uche, in only his second beginning since joining on loan from Getafe, notched the account with a clinical finish. Forward Eddie Nketiah contributed a second, scoring for the second game in succession.
The Shelbourne team that had finished their domestic season were no match even for a largely second-string Palace outfit. The visitors were further weakened by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with knee problems.
Control Established from the Outset
Despite heavy rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly took control. A slick move in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, let Nketiah to lay on Uche for a straightforward tap-in.
Midfielder Adam Wharton came close soon after, fizzing a powerful shot over the bar. Nketiah subsequently appealed for a penalty after racing into the box, but the referee dismissed the appeals.
The formerArsenal striker did not have wait long to find his goal, prodding home from a yard out after Uche's effort had hit the post.
Shelbourne were hanging on for dear life. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to avoid a booking for two robust challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the woodwork with a powerful header from a corner.
Pino Seals the Game
The match was as good as over eight minutes from half-time. Yeremy Pino meandered past some weak challenges before coolly dispatching a shot past goalkeeper Wessel Speel to extend the lead to 3-0.
After the break, coach Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to withdraw several individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse came close to scoring his very first touch, only to see his effort blocked.
Esse was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one shot strike off each posts before being gathered on the line. Uche then blazed a glaring chance, showing there is still room for improvement in his game.
The only worry for Palace was a late knock to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This allowed 17-year-old striker Benji Casey to make his senior debut, capping an otherwise positive night for the traveling side.