CRYSTAL PALACE 5-1 SWINDON TOWN : MATCH REPORT
FIRST HALF
Starting XI: Benitez (GK), Walker-Smith, King, Mingueza, Adaramola, Mitchell, Hughes, Ozoh, Esse, Rak-Sakyi, Nketiah
Crystal Palace kicked off their pre-season this afternoon with a friendly against League Two side Swindon Town. Pierre Sage opted to play with a different starting XI for each half to give minutes to as many players as possible.
With World Cup striking stars absent, Eddie Nketiah took his opportunity as the starting striker by the horns, quickly putting the home side in front by blocking an attempted clearance into the Swindon net after less than ten minutes.
With their continued aggression, the Eagles added to their lead, again through Eddie Nketiah, who will have impressed new boss Pierre Sage with his impact. Also contributing was the returning Romain Esse, who set up Nketiah with a sliding cross from the corner of the penalty area.
After a dominant spell to start the game, Palace seemed to lose their control a touch, becoming what can only be described as sloppy in possession. A wayward pass and subsequent clumsy foul led to a penalty for the visitors, which was luckily saved by Walter Benitez.
The next mistake would be much more costly, as Palace were caught in possession near the half way line, leading to an overload which the Robins were all too happy to capitalize on, making the score 2-1.
As the half drew to a close, Swindon continued their momentum, with a few further chances to close out the half. Overall, a disappointing showing from the UEFA Conference League champions. Palace would hope to give a more convincing showing in the second 45.
SECOND HALF
Starting XI: Matthews (GK), Jemide, Canvot, Benamar, Sosa, Cardines, Devenny, Doucouré, Drakes-Thomas, Johnson, França
Swindon picked up where they left off, putting early pressure on the hosts. The first ten minutes of the second half seemed much like the last ten of the first, with one of the few bright spots being the clear chemistry between left attacking-midfielder Joel Drakes-Thomas and left wingback Dean Benamar.
However frustrating the last 20 minutes had been, it was all quickly forgotten when darling-boy Matheus França found the back of the net on 56 minutes after picking up a deflected long ball from Jaydee Canvot and looping his shot over advancing goalkeeper Connor Ripley.
Palace’s pressure would quickly bear further fruit. Joel Drakes-Thomas latched onto a through ball from Dean Benamar deep in the penalty area and was subsequently taken down by Ripley. The ensuing penalty was converted neatly by Matheus França, extending the Eagles’ lead to a commanding 4-1.
The action calmed down as the half carried on. Danny Imray was brought on for Rio Cardines at the 70 minute mark.
Matheus França completed his hattrick in fine fashion in the 82nd minute, picking off a wayward backwards pass and shifting past the defenders to finish cleanly into the bottom right corner.
With the lead at 5-1 and less than ten minutes left, the game was well and truly over as a contest. The hosts would see out the remainder of the game without much incident, having recovered well from their earlier lapse in quality.
TAKE AWAYS
These must be taken with the obvious caveat that this is the first game of preseason, so everything is still very much up in the air. Nevertheless, observations must be made.
Pierre Sage looks to be sticking with the pre-existing 3-4-2-1 formation. Additionally, he was forced to trust his younger players in this game, with World Cup stars still missing and Adam Wharton out with a knock. It proved to be a mixed bag of results.
The first half back three of Tayo Adaramola, Charlie Walker-Smith, and George King was shaky at best. The most worrying of the three being Tayo Adaramola, as he gave the ball away for Swindon’s goal. Having come through the Palace academy, the now 22 year-old Adaramola has been loaned out six times in the last four seasons to limited success. Unfortunately for him, time may be running out, and a permanent move away might be in order, as the chance of him getting anywhere near the first team seems very unlikely.
On a positive note, Eddie Nketiah and Matheus França both had statement performances. The pair will have received a much needed confidence boost with their contributions today. Matheus França also proved himself a qualified candidate for the striker position as well as the number 10 role, where he had previously played. Romain Esse will also be happy to have hit the ground running with his assist.
Overall, a good performance from the boys in red and blue – a promising start to the new era. It’s good to have our Palace back.
*All photographs sourced from cpfc.co.uk
