Uche Fuels Straightforward Palace Triumph at Shelbourne.
Despite entering their first-ever European campaign, Crystal Palace are learning at a rapid pace. Without key figures like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel Muñoz, the London club departed Dublin with a commanding win that all but guarantees them a spot in the Europa Conference League playoffs.
Another victory in their next match against Finland's KuPS ought to be enough to seal straight entry to the last 16, especially following a previous stumble against Strasbourg.
Squad Members Grasp the Opportunity
This occasion offered a chance for some of Palace's fringe talent to impress. Christantus Uche, making only his second start after arriving on loan from Getafe, notched the account with a clinical goal. Striker Eddie Nketiah added a another, finding the net for the second consecutive succession.
The Shelbourne team that had finished their domestic season were no match against a mostly rotated Palace lineup. The visitors were further depleted by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with knee problems.
Dominance Established from the Start
In spite of torrential rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly established dominance. A slick move in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, let Nketiah to set up Uche for a simple finish.
Midfielder Adam Wharton went close minutes later, driving a powerful effort over the bar. Nketiah subsequently appealed for a penalty after bursting into the area, but the official dismissed the protests.
Ex-Arsenal striker didn't need to wait long to get his goal, prodding home from close range after Uche's effort had hit the post.
The home side were clinging on for dear life. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was lucky to avoid a booking for two robust challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the woodwork with a powerful header from a corner.
Yeremy Pino Seals the Contest
The contest was effectively over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino meandered past some comically weak challenges before calmly slotting 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 players like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse almost scoring with his very first touch, but saw his shot blocked.
The youngster was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one shot crash off each posts before being clasped on the line. Uche then missed a glaring chance, showing there is still room for improvement in his game.
The only worry for Palace was a second-half knock to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This paved the way for 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to make his senior debut, rounding off an otherwise perfect night for the visiting side.