Crystal Palace are returning to form in the Premier League. Oliver Glasner’s side beat Tottenham Hotspur in north London on Thursday evening to move up to 13th place with 38 points. Safety is possible at this stage.
While uncertainty still reigns as Glasner nears the end of his time at Selhurst Park, the Austrian coach has the chance to build on title-winning seasons as the Eagles prepare for a two-legged last 16 tie with AEK Larnaca in the Conference League.
More importantly, this was a fine performance, suggesting that Palace are returning to their prime in the campaign. Here’s how they did it.
How Crystal Palace beat Spurs
Tottenham have been their worst opponent in the Premier League this season, but Crystal Palace put the pressure on N17 and watched their opponents wither.
When Micky van de Ven pulled down Ismaila Sarr, Palace were 1-0 up, although Sarr was unlucky to see the goal disallowed after his nose was ruled offside. No matter, he changed from there.
Sarr would score again, but not before club record signing Jorgen Strand Larsen netted his third goal in seven outings in all competitions, joining the Wolves outfit for £48m this winter.
Even before the red card was issued, Palace were worth their money, not in their ease but in their resilience as the hosts looked to build.
In a world full of big money, Strand Larsen looks smart, especially since Jean-Philippe Mateta is said to be leaving at the end of the season.
Sarr and Strand Larsen increased their stats this season, but neither was the star of the game. That honor belonged to a man in the middle of the park.
Palace MOTM is its most important player
Last summer, when Crystal Palace sold Eberechi Eze to Arsenal for £67m, it felt like a huge change. He was Selhurst Park’s talisman, after all, who scored the winning goal in the FA Cup final against Manchester City.
Glasner’s project has shifted kilter this season, for sure, but Adam Wharton’s form in the center of the park could be crucial in righting the ship and heading for more silverware, and perhaps a European push for the Premier League.
Tottenham could not deal with the 22-year-old. It was just a thrilling performance. Wharton was unplayable on the ball, conflicting when defenses should be made.
Football writer Henry Winter said he “makes the game look powerless”, playing with style but also. Igor Tudor’s side could not keep him.
|
Adam Wharton vs Tottenham |
|
|---|---|
|
Mathematics |
# |
|
Minutes played |
81′ |
|
Terms + Help |
0 + 2 |
|
To touch |
54 |
|
Accurate passes |
30/37 (81%) |
|
Great opportunities have been created |
2 |
|
The property is lost |
13x |
|
Dribbles |
1/1 |
|
The discovery of the ball |
5 |
|
Fighting |
1/3 |
|
Erasure |
1 |
|
Duels won |
5/10 |
There is beauty and grace in the way this England midfielder plays. He collected two assists on the evening, but only had one before that, and this willingness to step up to dangerous positions and probe the opposing defense was something Glasner must continue to use over the next few months.
Stylistically, Wharton and Eze aren’t similar, but he’s stepping up and taking on the important role his compatriot played a few years ago.
And like Eze, Wharton improves after joining Blackburn Rovers for around £18m in January 2023.
Both Palace icons began their careers in the EFL, not spending all that time in the Championship, as their quality was seen from the outset.
Just how much Wharton will earn this season (and beyond) in Crystal Palace colors remains to be seen, but there is no doubt that continental giants will be looking for his signature, and chairman Steve Parish has already made it known that it will cost such clubs something in the region of £82m.
Sarr and Strand Larsen got some goals in their season opener, but Wharton, even without the two assists that created the win, stole the show.
Frank’s more: Crystal Palace now turn to 4-2-3-1 manager “set up”
The Eagles are searching for a replacement for Oliver Glasner.
