Christantus Uche Ignites Comfortable Crystal Palace Victory at Irish Side Shelbourne.
Despite entering their first-ever European adventure, Oliver Glasner's side are adapting very quickly. Without star figures like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles departed Dublin with a commanding win that all but guarantees them a spot in the Conference League qualifying rounds.
Another victory in their next match against Finnish KuPS ought to be sufficient to seal direct passage to the knockout stages, especially after a previous stumble against Strasbourg.
Fringe Players Seize the Moment
This occasion provided a chance for several Palace's lesser-used talent to impress. Christantus Uche, making only his second beginning since joining on loan from Getafe, notched the account with a clinical finish. Forward Eddie Nketiah added a another, scoring for the second game in succession.
The Shelbourne side that had finished their league season were no match against a largely second-string Palace lineup. The visitors were further depleted by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are out with leg injuries.
Control Asserted from the Start
In spite of heavy rain in Dublin, Palace quickly took control. A slick passing sequence in the 11th minute, initiated by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, allowed Nketiah to set up Uche for a straightforward finish.
Midfielder Adam Wharton went close soon after, fizzing a long-range shot over the bar. Nketiah subsequently claimed for a penalty after bursting into the area, but the referee dismissed the protests.
Ex-Arsenal man did not have wait long to get his goal, tapping home from a yard out after Uche's shot had hit the post.
The home side were hanging on for dear life. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was lucky to avoid a booking for two agricultural challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the crossbar with a powerful header from a corner.
Pino Seals the Contest
The contest was effectively over eight minutes from half-time. Yeremy Pino meandered past some weak challenges before calmly slotting a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
After the break, manager Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to withdraw several individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse came close to scoring with his first touch, but saw his shot blocked.
The youngster was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one attempt strike off each posts before being clasped on the line. Uche also blazed a glaring chance, indicating there is still room for improvement in his game.
The only concern for Palace was a second-half injury to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This paved the way for 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to earn his senior debut, capping an otherwise perfect night for the traveling side.