English Premier League - Game 1 - Crystal Palace (Away)
Our opening fixture is away to newly promoted Crystal Palace, who I’m told we lost to last time we played them. Let’s hope this goes much better as we look to kick start our new season. Injuries to Kießling, Dario Rodriguez - the only Rodriguez left at the club - and Gitschier mean that Seager and youth team winger Jacobsen are on the bench.
In the 22nd minute Luan fed Ward-Prowse down the right, and he sent in a cross for Pjaca at the back post. It ricocheted off of a couple of defenders though, and fell to Milik, who took a touch and then hammered it home!
In the 27th minute Tadic played a nice ball to Milik, who surged past his man but was denied at close range by McCarthy.
In the 42nd minute a corner was cleared, and Ward-Prowse sent a low hard cross back into the area. It was turned home by Wanyama at close range, but he was flagged offside. It was marginal.
Ward-Prowse strained his back and was replaced by De Paul in the 58th minute, a move which saw Pjaca go to right wing.
It was then Pjaca who doubled our lead in the 69th minute, as some lovely movement and passing dragged the Palace defenders out of position, before Augustinsson’s low cross was converted at the back post by the Croatian.
5 minutes later Pjaca had his second, racing onto a chipped pass from Luan and sliding the ball past the keeper.
In the 76th minute Balic and Jacobsen, making his debut, replaced Wanyama and Tadic. Jacobsen went to right wing, Pjaca to left and De Paul to AMC.
In stoppage time Augustinsson was tripped just inside the area, and a penalty was given. Pjaca with the chance to seal his hat trick - saved!
The only disappointment from an excellent opening day performance. Especially impressive considering our struggles on the road last year. Luan looks to have picked up where he left off last season with a Man of the Match display, whilst just about everyone else looked very sharp too.
POM: Luan (9.0, 0G, 1A)
