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**RB@CrystalPalace** · 16-01-2025, 12:26 PM

Eagle Eye Report
A Crystal clear look on all things Palace

Brunton enjoys mixed start to life at Palace

We are three games into the new Premiership season, and it's been a contrasting start for Rob Brunton's Crystal Palace who have collected two wins and a defeat from their opening encounters.

Round 1 - Leeds United 1-2 Crystal Palace

The Eagles navigated a tough fixture on the road in Brunton's first new test of FFO management, recording victory at Tim Davey's Leeds United. It was a dream start for Palace when they took the lead after just five minutes - new captain Daryl Dike showed great awareness to follow his own lobbed shot in towards goal and finished off a simple rebound past Maik Taylor. The visitors continued to show an air of danger with Rodrigo de Paul and Eberechi Eze causing problems for United, but the bright young prospect Rayan Cherki was alert to find a leveller when Marco Pellegrino's shot was blocked.

It was level at the break, but Palace were able to again find an important goal not long after the restart. De Paul collected his second assist of the day when his sumptuous long pass found his marauding midfield partner Fabinho who blasted past Taylor to restore the Eagles' advantage. Leeds applied the pressure roared on by a raucous home support, but found the away side's keeper Dominik Livaković in great form, although there was a dramatic moment to end the game. Moises Caicedo was certain he had saved a point for Leeds with the final kick of the game when his shot hit the woodwork and bounced down near the line, but the referee's watch indicated it did not cross it completely with replays later verifying the decision. It is those fine margins that can decide games sometimes, and fortunately for Palace it fell in their favour today.

Team: Livakovic, Anton, Renan Lodi, Tsimikas, Alonso, De Paul, Fabinho, Diawara, Eze (Pasalic 65), Adama Traore, Dike.

Round 2 - Crystal Palace 0-3 Blackburn Rovers

After Monday's victory, there was great feeling around Palace's opening home game of the season. There was a generally warm reception for new manager Rob Brunton although clearly some discontent directed at the club's owners after the lack of activity around the club prior to the season starting. It was an even start to the game, although Palace had to deal with an early injury blow to Eberechi Eze who limped off and is expected to spend at least a week on the sidelines. Both home keeper Dominik Livaković and visiting keeper Andre Onana were required to make saves, with Rovers' Heung-min Son a particular livewire. It felt like a game where the first goal might be crucial, and Blackburn grabbed it at a great time with that man Son finding space beyond the Palace backline and dinking over Livakovic for 0-1.

None of the Eagles' tactical changes did much to get any momentum going for them, although they did go close to an equaliser just after the hour mark when Adama Traore clattered the crossbar. Blackburn put the game beyond the reach of the hosts with two goals in three minutes - firstly through Kalvin Phillips who rifled past Livakovic on 72 minutes, and then on 74 minutes when the Croatian couldn't quite keep Clement Lenglet's effort from crossing the line. It could have honestly been worse for Palace, with Blackburn continuing to pressurise and nearly making it four in stoppage time when Bruno Guimares hit the woodwork. A chastening defeat for Brunton and his troops which had the danger to puncture the feel good air around the club after the win at Leeds.

Team: Livakovic, Anton, Renan Lodi, Tsimikas, Alonso (Grimi 75), De Paul, Fabinho, Diawara (Bierschenk 73), Eze (Pasalic 9), Adama Traore, Dike.

Round 3 - Cardiff City 1-2 Crystal Palace

The third game of the season saw the Eagles make the trip to South Wales to take on Matt Rose's Cardiff City. The two sides were separated by just one place last season, and it had the air of a fixture that both managers were keen not to lose at this point in the season with both formations including five defenders. Palace made two changes from their defeat to Blackburn, handing a debut to new signing Fraser Horsfall who made the move from French side Stade Rennais at the weekend, as well as Marco Pasalic coming in for the injured Eberechi Eze. Thomas Lemar struck the bar for the Bluebirds before a contentious moment that had a bearing on the end result. Cardiff striker Andre Silva was in clean through, only to be brought down by a surging Adama Traore helping out his defenders. The home crowd were baying for a red card, and were aghast when only yellow was produced, and similarly incensed when Silva was again involved, this time being seemingly brought down by Marcos Alonso in the area, only for the referee to wave away the protests. In typical fashion, it was Traore who broke the deadlock when he met Fabinho's corner to power a header past Ryan Allsop and give Palace the lead.

The Eagles were able to hold onto the lead until the break, but City found their equaliser with the first meaningful attack of the second half. Defender James Justin found the net with a header for 1-1, but not a minute later, Palace regained their lead. It was a third headed goal of the game, and a second for Traore who deftly turned in Tsimikas' flick on with his own head although Allsop really should have done better. Both sides went in search of further goals, and there was still time for yet more officiating drama when Cardiff's penalty claim was reviewed by VAR only for the decision to be 'no penalty'. It was a tempestuous game with five yellow cards issued, but most importantly for Palace they held onto the three points which lifted them to ninth in the table.

Team: Livakovic, Anton, Renan Lodi, Tsimikas, Alonso, Horsfall, De Paul, Fabinho, Diawara, Pasalic, Adama Traore.

Some early transfer forays, but Brunton insists 'stars not for sale'

After spending some time analysing the squad at his disposal, new Palace manager Rob Brunton has made some dips into the Eagles coffers to give his side some quality depth. As mentioned in the match reports, Fraser Horsfall was the first signing of the Brunton era with Palace parting with £25m to bring in the defender. There are some concerns around the proposed wage bill at the club given that the roster doesn't boast some of the elite players in the division, and both Alex Gilbey and Robert Gumny have been acquired on free transfers to allow the club to seek cash sales or the SHN list for some of their players on the peripheral. This is set to include defenders Fabian Balbuena and Matija Nastasic, with the former already subject to a transfer offer from Paris St. German.

'There's some work to be done, with the squad both making it resilient enough to compete now but also to put us in a position to be able to strengthen long-term,' Brunton explained in his pre-match press conference ahead of Friday's fixture with Wolverhampton Wanderers. 'The fans made it clear that they aren't satisfied with the quiet pre-season, and although that's out of my hands I've got a responsibility to ensure we set things up. I'll make one thing very clear though - this is not a fire sale. We had an enquiry about the services of Waldemar Anton which we rebuffed - it wasn't a bad offer by any stretch but the fact only Robin Gosens has more tackles this season than him and Tsimikas underlines how important he is to our team.'

One defender that it appears Palace are happy to move on from though is Marcos Alonso. The Spaniard, 34, has started all three games for the Eagles since Brunton has come in, but seemingly a decision has been made to cash in on his value at his advanced age, with Chelsea agreeing a fee with Crystal Palace. Brunton didn't accept any questions about Alonso or his potential involvement against Wolves, but it seems that they may already be planning for life without him, as Sparta Prague's Brazilian defender Tuta has been spotted with club officials at a regional airport with a touted loan deal on the cards.

Words: 1395

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**RB@CrystalPalace** · 23-01-2025, 02:53 PM

Eagle Eye Report
A Crystal clear look on all things Palace

A struggle for consistency but Palace in the top half

Round 4 - Crystal Palace 1-1 Wolves

The fourth game of the Premier League season saw Palace welcome Ray Wallace's Wolves side who'd collected two wins and a draw to start their campaign. The 'Marcos Alonso to Chelsea' speculation proved to be true, with the Spaniard missing out completely from the sixteen to allow him a medical at Stamford Bridge, and he was replaced in the starting line up by club captain Daryl Dike as the Eagles returned to a two up top formation. The hosts started strongly although both sides hit the woodwork in the opening ten minutes. The game wasn't a minute old when defender Kostas Tsimikas crashed the bar for Palace, but that was followed closely after by Wolves defender Pascal Struijk clattering Dominik Livakovic's upright. There was a huge reprieve for Brunton and his side when the away side were awarded a penalty, only for Joao Pedro's spot kick to be unsuccessful. There was little complaint from the Palace players when Rodrigo de Paul scythed down Matheus Cunha, but the supporters were celebrating when Pedro's penalty ballooned over the crossbar. The game wasn't even half an hour old when Palace then had a penalty of their own with de Paul the one on the right end of the decision this time, bundled over by Charlie Cresswell. Adama Traore took it and scored, with a muted former celebration against one of his former sides. Aaron Ramsdale remained busy in the away goal, but Palace just had a single goal to show for their first half efforts.

Conceding early in the second half is becoming a bit of a theme for Palace this season, and it only took seven minutes into the half for the game to be level. Struijk hurled in a long throw and Chaka Traore blasted the ball past a stricken Livakovic for one apiece. Both sides were dangerous in the final third, with Palace having more opportunities but Wolves coming closest. The woodwork was rattled for the third time in the game, this time by Joao Pedro in the 70th minute with Palace able to clear the rebound. There were shouts for a third penalty in the match too, with VAR rejecting the Wolves pleas after some jostling in the area at a corner. The game ended level, leaving both sides wanting more but grateful to avoid defeat.

Team: Livakovic, Anton, Renan Lodi, Tsimikas, Horsfall, De Paul, Fabinho, Diawara, Pasalic, Adama Traore, Dike.

Round 5 - Leicester City 2-1 Crystal Palace

Despite being unable to secure a victory at home this season, Crystal Palace had managed two wins from two on the road in the league to keep their travelling support in buoyant mood as they headed to the King Power Stadium to face Leicester City. It had been a tough start to the season for Darren Lear and his side with three straight defeats, but they ended that run with victory at Barnsley on Friday. Rob Brunton reverted back to his five at the back formation, giving Sparta Prague loanee Tuta a debut and Eberechi Eze back on the bench after recovering from injury. As usual, the uprights took an early battering in a Palace game with Leicester defender Lewis Dunk, booed at every touch by the Palace fans for his strong links to Brighton & Hove Albion, punting a lobbed shot towards goal which hit the bar and was kept out before Dominik Livakovic before crossing the line. Dunk nearly then put through his own net on two occasions, before post and bar again thwarted attempts at goal. N'Golo Kante couldn't keep his shot low enough to avoid smacking the frame of the goal just past the hour mark, and then Marco Pasalic saw his low drive pushed onto the post by Foxes keeper Alphonse Areola. Dunk then carried on his eventful half by clattering the upright again, and as Kante picked up the rebound he was felled by Kostas Tsimikas who was booked and a penalty awarded. Livakovic was imperious between the sticks though, and denied Kaspar Dolberg from the penalty spot.

Palace have been susceptible after the break this season, and that happened again to the dismay of the visiting support. Dolberg brilliantly atoned from his earlier miss from the spot, flashing one past Livakovic just before the hour mark to give the hosts first blood in the fixture. Palace were threatening to collapse, with Leicester dangerous and then striking again just four minutes later, via a tremendous individual effort from Nelson Semedo. Palace were shellshocked, with memories of their demolition by Blackburn still fresh for the players, but Eze came off the bench to great effect and gave the Eagles a chance. With 15 minutes left to play he beat his marker and played in Adama Traore who finally breached Areola's defences to halve the deficit for Palace. Leicester held firm though, and if anything looked more likely to add to their lead rather than surrendering it as the game came to a close.

Team: Livakovic, Anton, Renan Lodi, Tsimikas, Horsfall, Tuta, De Paul, Fabinho, Diawara (Dike 60), Pasalic (Eze 65), Adama Traore.

DPT Group Game 1 - West Ham United 0-4 Crystal Palace

There had been noises around the club that while honoured to be part of the Dave Phillips Trophy, Crystal Palace saw the competition as a little bit of a distraction from trying to remain a Premier League outfit. They still put out a strong side to take on fellow top flight side West Ham United, but made four changes - bringing in Leandro Grimi, Lovis Bierschenk, Eberechi Eze and Daryl Dike into the starting line up. Unfortunately the Hammers failed to submit a sheet for the game, which Palace took full advantage of, finding the net four times in twelve first half minutes to end the match as a spectacle. Three of the four changes for the game managed to get on the scoresheet as well, with Bierschenk breaking the deadlock after 17 minutes after being put in by Dike. Scorer and assist swapped roles for the second, when Bierschenk's corner was dropped by West Ham keeper Alisson and Dike reacted quickest to bundle in. Amadou Diawara scored his first goal of the season to make it three on 24 minutes, and the rout was completed when Eze's curled effort took a deflection to leave Alisson stranded. There were some vital minutes for some periphery players, and Palace started their DPT campaign with a flourish.

Team: Livakovic, Anton, Renan Lodi, Grimi, Horsfall (Tsimikas 66), Tuta, De Paul, Bierschenk, Diawara (Fabinho 64), Eze, Dike (Adama Traore 68).

Words: 1111

**RB@CrystalPalace** · 06-02-2025, 02:51 PM

Eagle Eye Report
A Crystal clear look on all things Palace

On the up in the cup, but league form on the slide

Round 6 - Crystal Palace 3-3 Sheffield United

Hopes were high for Crystal Palace to record their first home win of the Rob Brunton era, hosting a Sheffield United side struggling near the foot of the Premiership table and without a win so far this season. Palace and the Blades both featured attacking line ups, and chances were aplenty in an exciting game, with the visitors drawing first blood on 14 minutes. Paul Okon diverted a pass in the direction of Cameron Jerome, who thundered a shot past Dominik Livakovic, but the away celebrations were short-lived. Not a minute later, from the kick off, Fabinho surged through the Sheff Uted defenders and put one out of the reach of Peter Gulacsi to level the scores. Both sides carried danger as they looked to score the all-important third goal of the match; Raffaele Palladino frequently called Livakovic into action, whilst Eberechi Eze was a constant threat for Palace and hit the bar in the 38th minute. The Eagles fans didn't have to wait much longer to see their team take the lead for the first time of the game though, with a direct run from Daryl Dike saw him get the better of Frederic Guilbert and slot it beyond the reach of Gulacsi for 2-1. There was hope from Palace's fans that they could go on and take control of the game, but Sheffield United were undeterred by the setback and continued to pile on the pressure. Palladino would end the match with eight shots to his name, and he finally got the better of Livakovic in first half stoppage time when he converted Okon's corner. There was still time for Marco Pasalic to hit a post from a free kick via a wonderful save by Gulacsi, but a smattering of boos were evident from the Palace faithful on the half time whistle.

As starts go to a second half, it was an absolute nightmare for a Palace side who have consistently struggled after the break this season. There was some luck involved in Joao Mario's bustling run into the Palace penalty area, but nothing lucky about the effort which he rifled past Livakovic for 2-3, and it so nearly got even worse for the Eagles. Just three minutes later, Joao Mario was in again, and only a foul by Eze saw him add to his earlier goal, with a penalty awarded to Sheff Utd. Incredibly though, for the third league game in succession, Palace had a penalty missed against them as Livakovic comfortably denied Andrea Bellotti from the spot. Palace just hadn't settled since half time though, and the frustrations from the home fans were evident as Palladino this time struck the woodwork with a long range lob. They grew into the game though as maybe some nerves started to creep in for a Blades side yet to taste league victory this season, and Adama Traore clattered the crossbar when well placed. The Spaniard atoned for the miss though, meeting Eze's floated pass with a wonderful overhead kick which deflected in past Gulacsi to put Palace level with ten minutes left. There was still time for Eze to hit the frame of the goal for his second and Palace's third time of the match, but a truly entertaining spectacle ended all square undoubtedly leaving both sides feeling like they could have won the game.

Team: Livakovic, Anton, Renan Lodi, Tsimikas, Tuta, De Paul, Fabinho, Pasalic (Bierschenk 71), Eze, Adama Traore, Dike.

Round 7 - Crystal Palace 1-1 Burnley

After dropping points at home, Palace had the earliest possibility to try and secure their first home win under Rob Brunton on Monday 27th January at home to Burnley. After conceding three in the previous game, Brunton brought in defender Fraser Horsfall at the expense of attacking midfielder Marco Pasalic, and there was no question that the Clarets were restricted to fewer chances on goal than Sheffield United were in Round 6. Mats Hummels was again facing Palace after he was part of the Blackburn Rovers side which crushed the Eagles earlier this season, and he was involved in the game's opening goal - crossing for Hugo Ekitike to break the deadlock and give the visitors a first half lead. Palace looked short of ideas going forward, and other than an Eze effort which went just wide in first half injury time, there was precious little for the Palace fans to hold onto.

It was an equally sluggish start to the second half, with neither side able to fashion much in the way of opportunities. Palace seemed lucky to avoid further punishment on them when Tuta looked for all the world to have brought down Pedri in the area, but they threw caution to the wind with a mentality change almost immediately and got their reward. Eze beat Marc Cucurella down the outside, and recorded assists in consecutive games when Dike met his cross with an exquisite bicycle kick to get Palace back level. What had been a slow burner of a game started to simmer into life, although chances were still relatively difficult to come by. The closest the game came to a winner was on 88 minutes, with Ekitike hammering the crossbar with Livakovic rooted to the spot. Palace held on for the point, but they are now four games without a league victory.

Team: Livakovic, Anton, Renan Lodi, Tsimikas, Tuta, Horsfall, De Paul, Fabinho, Eze (Pasalic 68), Adama Traore, Dike.

DPT Group Game 2 - Crystal Palace 3-1 Union Berlin

The schedule threw up an unprecedented third consecutive home game for Palace, as they returned to action in the Dave Phillips Trophy. A missed West Ham sheet saw Palace off the mark with ease in Round 1, and they again rotated their squad with regulars Renan Lodi, Rodrigo De Paul, Fabinho and Adama Traore all on the bench for this one. Waldemar Anton was one starter who did keep his place, and although usually known for his crunching tackles, he found himself opening the scoring in the seventh minute. After beating the challenge of Ledley King, Anton beat Lukas Hradecky from outside the area for his first goal of the season, and just thirteen minutes later, he had two! Another powerful shot from distance saw Hradecky beaten, with the Palace fans delighted to see their team comfortably leading at Selhurst Park for once. Union Berlin were still in the game and carried threat through Sergio Aguero, but Dominik Livakovic was up to the task of stopping them when they did find the target. In fact, Palace were close to getting a third just before the break with Hradecky having to be at full stretch to deny Dike.

Palace have been susceptible in the early minutes of the second half in the Premiership so far this season, but Berlin were limited to half chances and shots from range as they sought to halve the deficit. Livakovic was sharp to deny an Aguero header just after the hour mark, as Palace looked to shut down the game by moving more defensively and bringing on some of their rested starters. Union Berlin didn't agree with that script though, and did get themselves back into the game with just under twenty minutes left to play. Will Armitage was expecting the pass back from David Datro Fofana, but Fofana had other ideas and beat Livakovic to make it 2-1. Understandably, Andy Babbs sent men forward to try and steal what would have been an unlikely point, but with Palace on the counter, it left Berlin at risk of conceding and indeed they did, with young defender Leandro Grimi showing great skill with a run and finish via the post. It ended 3-1 and left Palace as the only side in the competition with a 100% record.

Team: Livakovic, Anton (Renan Lodi 65), Tsimikas, Horsfall, Tuta, Grimi, Diawara, Bierschenk (de Paul 65), Pasalic, Eze, Dike.

Round 8 - Bristol City 1-0 Crystal Palace

Conscious that their schedule was going to be getting no easier in the forthcoming weeks with Arsenal, Chelsea, Man City, Man Utd, Tottenham and Liverpool all yet to be faced, Palace probably saw their away fixture at last season's Championship title winners Bristol City as a good and needed opportunity to break their barren run. The same hope for a victory was probably equalled by Bristol City though, and both sides were dangerous in the opening minutes with City shading proceedings. Both keepers were guilty of misjudging corners but getting back in position to save, whilst Jay Williams and Marcos Llorente went close for the Robins, Llorente hitting the bar after getting the better of Waldemar Anton. Palace did have their chances though, with Adama Traore calling Pickford into action on several occasions. It was the team from the South West who broke the deadlock though, Llorente wasn't to be denied a second time when he connected with Jerdy Schouten's ball in to divert it past Livakovic and into the back of the net. It seemed more likely that the hosts would double their lead rather than Palace getting back into things, and former Palace man Tyrick Mitchell hit the bar when well placed. The half ended 1-0 with Palace needing to step things up if they wanted to go back to London with anything from this game.

Palace had only failed to score in one game under Rob Brunton so far this season, so the away following had hope that they may be able to turn the game around. It was a lacklustre showing from the Eagles though who even despite more attacking minded changes, couldn't exert any meaningful pressure on the Bristol City goal. On the occasions they were able to muster anything, they found Jordan Pickford in imperious form between the sticks for City, with both Adama Traore and Daryl Dike frustrated by the stopper. Palace were unable to do anything with the six added second half minutes, and fell to their third defeat in eight games, with their number of league games without a win stretching to five.

Team: Livakovic, Anton, Tsimikas, Renan Lodi, Tuta, Fabinho, de Paul, Diawara (Bierschenk 55), Pasalic (Eze 58), Adama Traore, Dike.

Words: 1699

**RB@CrystalPalace** · 15-02-2025, 11:25 PM

Eagle Eye Report
A Crystal clear look on all things Palace

Dogged performances to save points - and FA Cup progression secured

Round 9 - Crystal Palace 2-2 Tottenham Hotspur

Friday 7th February saw Palace welcome Tottenham Hotspur on a poor run of just three points in their last five league games, and still yet to win a league match at Selhurst Park this season. It didn't seem likely that hosting the Season 4 champions was likely to change matters, but they started brightly, with both Amadou Diawara and Rodrigo De Paul getting in early efforts on the Spurs goal. Victor Boniface had the away side's first chance with a quarter of an hour played, calling Dominik Livakovic into action with a smart save before disaster struck for Palace. Diawara was deemed to have stamped on Tottenham's Kevin Mbabu, and the Eagles lost their Cameroonian midfielder and forced to play the remaining 72 minutes with ten men. They didn't change their approach though, and still continued to create chances - with Kostas Tsimikas calling Etienne Green into action, and the keeper then needed to save from Adama Traore who got on the end of Fabinho's corner. There were signs that Spurs were beginning to make use of the extra man though, with Livakovic needing to be brave to keep out Riyad Mahrez and Leon Bailey and the score remained goalless at half time.

Tottenham remained the better team after the break, with Mahrez again dangerous before the champions finally broke the deadlock. Nigerian striker Boniface is the focal point of Tim Brown's attack this season, and his header beat Livakovic to give the visitors the lead. Palace went attacking to try and find the equaliser, and despite Traore firing over, they were vulnerable to Spurs on the counter with the extra man. It was chance after chance; Boniface and Mahrez both missed the target when well placed, and Takehiro Tomiyasu had an athletic effort saved by Livakovic. The Croatian kept out Bonfiace again after Orkun Kokcu had wasted a free kick, but the lead was finally doubled as the pressure told on 81 minutes - Sime Vrsaljko heading past his compatriot which you would have thought would have killed the game off. Vrsaljko nearly scored again but was this time denied by Livakovic, before a scarcely believable turn of events saw ten man Palace fight back into the game. It was a sequence of events which will give Spurs keeper Green nightmare, firstly being caught woefully out of position to be beaten by Traore from Fabinho's pass, and then, perhaps with his error still fresh in his mind, Green clattered down Palace captain Daryl Dike in the box. Traore kept his cool, smashing the penalty down the middle for his second goal in a minute and getting Palace back on level terms with four minutes left on the clock. The game finished level, much to the bemusement of both managers.

Team: Livakovic, Anton, Tsimikas, Renan Lodi, Tuta, Horsfall (Dike 65), Fabinho, de Paul, Diawara, Eze, Adama Traore.

FA Cup Round 3 - Crystal Palace 2-1 Birmingham City

The third round of the FA Cup saw the Premier League clubs join twelve from the lower divisions, with Palace pitted against Championship outfit Birmingham City at Selhurst Park. Although there appeared to be a gulf in quality on paper, the Blues were under the caretaker stewardship of Real Madrid manager Freddie Kaye and thus not to be taken lightly. This was reflected in the nearly full strength team selection by Palace, seemingly giving a priority to FA Cup success where the DPT has seen some more rotation in the starting line ups. The Eagles were lightning out of the blocks in this game, taking the lead after just three minutes when Rodrigo de Paul got the better of Patrik Vydra before smashing past Gavin Bazunu in the Birmingham goal. The away side were undeterred by the setback though, and levelled just six minutes later with David Brooks taking advantage of a mistake from Waldemar Anton to set up Steven Caldwell who finished despite the best efforts of Dominik Livakovic. There were further scares for Palace when Brooks hit the post and then squandered another reasonable chance, with only another de Paul chance to show for their effort as the first half petered out rather alarmingly for those hoping for serene Palace progression.

There may have been some strong words in the half time Rob Brunton team talk though, as the Eagles came out and dominated the second half from the outset. They barely gave the Midlands side a sniff going forward, and eventually the chances started to flow for the hosts, with Anton denied by a good Bazunu save just past the hour mark. Adama Traore then had a header deflected wide, with Tuta's shot parried away by Bazunu, with the Northern Irish international again in the game to deny de Paul from adding to his tally. Fabinho hit the side netting and it looked like that despite their control, Palace may be forced to extra time by their underdog visitors. Lovis Bierschenk set up his own chance with twelve to play which Bazunu snuffed, but then found Traore in space in the box, and while the Birmingham keeper yet again denied Palace, he could do nothing about the rebound which the striker gratefully tucked away to restore the home side's advantage. Joao Victor managed Birmingham's first effort since the 19th minute deep in second half stoppage time, but Livakovic saved and Palace booked their place in Round 4 where they will travel to Blackburn Rovers.

Team: Livakovic, Anton, Tsimikas (Renan Lodi 63), Tuta, Horsfall, Fabinho, Pasalic, de Paul, Eze (Bierschenk 60), Adama Traore, Dike (Grimi 81).

Round 10 - Aston Villa 1-1 Crystal Palace

Matchday 10 saw Palace face a difficult trip away to Aston Villa, a side performing well in the top 10, but thrown into turmoil over the weekend by the rumoured application of Keith Drummond for the vacant AS Roma post. Drummond was in the dugout for the game, but a tweet from Fabrizio Romano breaking the news in the hours prior left the Villa Park faithful a little restless. The home players did their best to rouse the crowd, and they nearly had a very early lead with Lois Openda only denied by the Crystal Palace crossbar with Dominik Livakovic beaten. The Eagles could sense they had an opportunity to capitalise on the uncertainty though, with Eberechi Eze denied by a flying fingertip save by Alban Lafont in the Villa goal. Adama Traore then couldn't trouble the Frenchman when in a good position, before the hosts survived a VAR check for a penalty with some shenanigans at a corner kick. Palace were again furious with VAR when Josip Sutalo's booking was not upgraded to red after an apparent spit at his national team mate Livakovic, and there was more upset for Villa when Jean-Clair Todibo was forced off with an injury. Sutalo's long range effort was kept out by Livakovic before the referee then felt Villa's ire, seemingly ignoring two strong claims for fouls in dangerous areas. Kostas Tsimikas whistled one wide of the post just before half time which saw the team go in at the break at 0-0.

It was Villa who started the second half better, and for the sixth time in ten league games this season, Palace conceded a goal within fifteen minutes of the restart. It came from an unlikely source, with Jarrad Branthwaite up from the back curling a beauty past a stricken Livakovic to give the home side the lead. Curiously Villa took on a more attacking mentality with the lead, perhaps seeking to kill the game off, but it did let Palace have chances. Lafont had to be alert to keep out Rodrigo de Paul's strike, and then kept Traore's header out from the Argentine's corner. Gabriel Jesus had been having a quiet game for the Villains, but sprung into action, firstly missing the target when well placed, and then seeing Livakovic keep out his bobbled shot. Lafont was again needed though to save from Tuta, while Openda saw his shot saved at the other end. Palace did get their equaliser though, and it was Tuta, the man on loan from Sparta Prague with his first goal for the club, collecting a pass from the ever-dangerous de Paul and leaving Lafont stranded with a delightful chip. There was a late chance for Renato Sanches to reinstate the Aston Villa lead, but the game couldn't produce a winner in what turned out to be Drummond's final game as Villa boss, as his Roma application was successful. Palace's run without winning extended to six league games although Rob Brunton will be happy with points gained from behind against quality sides.

Team: Livakovic, Anton, Tsimikas, Renan Lodi, Tuta, Horsfall (Dike 60), Fabinho, Diawara (Bierschenk 72), de Paul, Eze (Pasalic 69), Adama Traore.

Words: 1468

**RB@CrystalPalace** · 2025-02-21T16:56:53

Eagle Eye Report
A Crystal clear look on all things Palace

A nightmare in Naples but league form finally picking up

Round 11 - Crystal Palace 1-1 Arsenal

Arsenal were the visitors to Selhurst Park with Crystal Palace still yet to muster a home league win or a clean sheet in the league anywhere under Rob Brunton, and an encounter with the high-flying Gunners didn't seem the match it would happen for the boss. So it was quite a surprise with just eight minutes on the clock, Palace broke the deadlock with the first chance of the game for either side. Fraser Horsfall was signed more to prevent goals than score them, but he latched onto Rodrigo de Paul's throw in and hit a sweetly struck effort beyond James Trafford and into the net off the underside of the bar to put Palace one up. A side like Arsenal weren't likely to be kept quiet though, and came back at Palace with Aaron Hickey heading wide from a corner, and then Dominik Livakovic was called into acrobatic action to deny Johann Lepenant an equaliser. Palace remained dangerous though, and Trafford pushed Mario Pasalic's shot onto the post when the Croatian had gotten into a good area. The dynamic duo of Bukayo Saka and Michael Olise have terrorised teams this season, and both had chances to score as well as Lepenant. De Paul should have done better with a rare Palace foray forward, but Arsenal were in the ascendancy. Josko Gvardiol was the next Gunner to have his head in his hands when squandering a good opportunity, but then Palace had chances of their own. Trafford hadn't let his confidence drop from the earlier goal, and he made impressive saves from Horsfall seeking his second, and then Fabinho, and after Livakovic kept out Lepenant again, Arsenal finally got a golden chance to level, Hickey's through ball found Werner in space in behind, and he was hauled down by Livakovic in the box. The penalty was awarded, and Santiago Gimenez did not miss his chance to level, slotting the spot kick low to level the scores. Palace's response was excellent, with the fingertips of Trafford needed to divert Tuta's effort away from goal, and then the English keeper denied Pasalic from the subsequent corner. Werner and Gimenez both had chances before the break, but it ended 1-1 to set up an intriguing second half.

Much to the delight of the Selhurst Park faithful, Palace remained well in the game to start the second half. Trafford would go on to deny Palace on nine occasions, and one of those was barely a minute into the second half, saving well from Pasalic after a skilful run by the Palace midfielder. Gimenez shot wide on 53 minutes, and incredibly that would go onto to be Arsenal's penultimate shot of the match. Palace were imperious, creating numerous chances only to be denied by a combination of Trafford, the woodwork and poor finishing. Adama Traore shot wide, Horsfall nearly added to his tally on three further occasions, Renan Lodi saw his shot saved by Trafford and de Paul couldn't believe seeing his shot come back off the post and into Trafford's grateful grasp. Arsenal nearly landed the ultimate sucker punch with seven minutes to play when Saka's shot cracked the crossbar and bounced down, with Livakovic alert to avert the danger, and Trafford was called upon on one last occasion to keep out Renan Lodi's stoppage time thunderbolt. The Gunners escaped with a point, with the Palace fans a mixture of frustrated and proud after watching their team's performance.

Team: Livakovic, Anton, Tsimikas, Tuta, Horsfall, Renan Lodi, Fabinho, Diawara, de Paul, Pasalic (Eze 69), Adama Traore.

DPT Group Game 3 - Napoli 5-1 Crystal Palace

While the league form has been poor, Palace have been impressive in the Dave Philips Trophy with two wins from two, but they were halted in their tracks by a ruthless Napoli performance at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Perhaps complacent with their continental results so far, Palace arrived in Italy with an attacking approach, but saw their gameplan dismantled early on. Bjarki Steinn Bjarkason gave Napoli the lead in the opening minute when he met Irvin Cardona's cross with an excellent header, and it was 2-0 just five minutes later when Cardona this time set up Andy Diouf. Bjarkason added a third from Diouf's corner, and this was still just in the opening ten minutes. It only got worse for Palace - Andrei Arshavin lobbed Dominik Livakovic for 4-0 on 13 minutes as the game threatened to get out of hand for a Palace side completely and utterly shellshocked by proceedings. Thankfully there was no more damage, and the Eagles did even manage to get one back shortly into the second half when Rodrigo de Paul found the net, but any hopes of an unlikely comeback were put on ice by Cameron Carter-Vickers who restored the four goal lead for the Neapolitan side. It was a shocking result for Palace, who needed to pick themselves up before their important league encounter with Southampton on Friday.

Team: Livakovic, Grimi, Tuta, Horsfall, Renan Lodi (Anton 66), Diawara, de Paul, Bierschenk, Pasalic, Eze, Dike (Adama Traore 70).

Round 12 - Southampton 0-1 Crystal Palace

Palace had to do their best to get the Napoli thrashing out of their minds, with a trip to St Mary's and the task of trying to keep hotshot strikeforce Alexander Isak and Marcus Thuram the main objective after shipping five goals in Italy. Palace employed a long ball tactic, perhaps trying to keep things simple after Wednesday's debacle, but they looked fragile from the outset. There were chances in the first couple of minutes for the Saints, with Dejan Kulusevski wasting an early chance and Isak calling Dominik Livakovic into early action. Palace settled into the match though, and after Jules Kounde nearly put through his own net, Adama Traore's shot had Jose Sa demonstrating his acrobatics. Sa was well beaten though from Daryl Dike's powerful effort, with the ball clattering the upright and rebounding to safety. Palace assumed a level of control with the tide of the game flowing one way, but they couldn't find a goal to show for their efforts, with both Traore and Kostas Tsimikas failing to find the target in good positions. With the home fans a little restless, Phil Foden let a good chance go by whilst Isak couldn't improve his fortunes in front of goal. The half ended with Palace on top though, with Dike missing when well placed and Waldemar Anton calling Sa into action.

There was a time this season where Palace have looked likely to concede from the start of the second half, but they seem to have improved that part of their game. The only downside in this fixture is that half time seemed to come at a bad time for the Eagles, who lost some of their momentum. It was a ragged performance from both sides, only lit up by glimpses of quality like Foden's scissor kick and Gabriel Martinelli's sweetly struck effort. Palace's creativity had deserted them, but they still held relatively firm, limiting Southampton's chances as well. Livakovic comfortably gathered Isak's free kick, and finally in the 80th minute, Palace had their first chance of the half when Dike nodded Traore's cross wide of the post. Kounde lashed wide, but suddenly, with their only effort on target in the second half, Rob Brunton's side snatched an 82nd minute lead. Perhaps the lack of second half activity had left Sa's mind wandering, but Brazilian defender Renan Lodi delivered a sumptuous finish from outside the box having been played in by Amadou Diawara, prompting jubilant scenes from the away dugout. Southampton threw the kitchen sink at Palace, and so nearly got back level. The quiet Thuram crashed the bar whilst Isak was denied by the post, but Palace held on for their first win in eight league games, and their first league clean sheet under Brunton.

Team: Livakovic, Anton, Tsimikas, Tuta, Horsfall, Renan Lodi, Fabinho, Diawara, de Paul (Eze 72), Adama Traore, Dike.

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