Crystal Palace Soars to Ninth in Conference League Table with 3-0 Victory Over Shelbourne Featuring Goals from Christantus Uche Eddie Nketiah and Yeremy Pino
Crystal Palace achieved a significant milestone in the Conference League by defeating Shelbourne 3-0 away in Dublin. This victory bolstered their chances of advancing to the knockout phase, elevating them to ninth place in the league standings.
Match Highlights and Key Performances
Christantus Uche, Eddie Nketiah, and Yeremy Pino scored the goals that secured the win for Crystal Palace. The team displayed dominance in the first half, and the score could have been even higher.
- Uche opened the scoring by converting a low cross from Nketiah.
- Nketiah capitalized on a rebound after Uche’s shot hit the post.
- Pino added a third goal just before halftime, showcasing excellent link-up play with Uche.
Second Half Opportunities
Despite being in a commanding position, Crystal Palace did not find the net again in the second half. Substitute Romain Esse came closest, hitting both posts with a single attempt. Other near misses included a header by Jefferson Lerma that went over the bar and another shot by Uche that missed the target.
Injuries and Team Changes
Crystal Palace had to adjust their lineup, missing injured striker Jean-Philippe Mateta. Uche took advantage of this opportunity, and the squad made four changes from their previous game against Fulham.
- Justin Devenny replaced Mateta but later had to leave the match due to injury.
- 17-year-old Benji Casey made his debut as a result of Devenny’s exit.
- Goalkeeper Walter Benitez performed well, preventing Shelbourne from scoring.
Outlook and Future Fixtures
This victory positions Crystal Palace favorably as they approach their final league-phase match against KuPS next Thursday. They need just one point to secure a playoff spot in the last 16.
Upcoming fixtures for Crystal Palace include:
| Date | Opponent | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 14 | Manchester City | Premier League |
| Dec 18 | KuPS Kuopio | Conference League |
| Dec 20 | Leeds United | Premier League |
Player and Manager Comments
Eddie Nketiah expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, emphasizing the need to maintain their momentum in the competition. Manager Oliver Glasner praised his players for their attitude and efforts, highlighting their ability to create numerous chances and maintain a clean sheet.
As Crystal Palace continues its campaign, their strong attacking depth will be crucial in managing an intense fixture schedule ahead.
