BY EDMUND BRACK
edmund@slpmedia.co.uk
Crystal Palace barely had to move out of second gear to find themselves 2-0 up against Manchester United on Monday night.
Michael Olise got the Eagles off to a dream start when he was allowed the freedom of Selhurst Park to drive forward and take aim at Andre Onana’s goal to net the opener – it was a sign of the things to come defending-wise from the woeful visitors.
Jean-Phillipe Mateta doubled Palace’s first-half lead with an emphatic finish and when Tyrick Mitchell got himself in on the act midway through the second half it put Palace firmly in control.
Olise wrapped up the convincing 4-0 win to seal Palace’s first double over United in Premier League history when he was found by Daniel Munoz on the edge of the box, with the French attacker smashing an effort beyond the United keeper.
It could so easily have been an even more damaging scoreline for United, with boss Erik ten Hag’s future coming under greater scrutiny.
But for Palace counterpart Oliver Glasner, it was a result that epitomises the rise his Crystal Palace side have made in the three months since he replaced Roy Hodgson.
The Eagles are five unbeaten in the Premier League and closer to the European spots – 11 – than they are the relegation zone – 17.
Palace’s sporting director Dougie Freedman, who is being courted by Newcastle United, has shown during his time at Selhurst Park the ability to dip into the free agent market and pick up players who can increase the competition and value to the squad – Jefferson Lerma and Vicente Guaita both examples of that.
And when the current squad is on song and players are fit, it shows there is the foundations of a real Premier League side who have adapted quickly to the new manager’s style of play and are buying into what he wants to achieve at Selhurst Park.
Both Eze and Olise have club-record release clauses inserted into their deals, and would only leave the club if they were triggered.
Palace have shown they are not afraid to spend money to strengthen their squad, with the arrivals of Daniel Munoz from Genk and Adam Wharton from Blackburn Rovers in January both now key starters.
Wharton, 20, has already vastly increased his value from the initial £18.5million Palace splashed to sign him and is making a late dash to secure a place in Gareth Southgate’s England Euro 2024 squad.
With a handful of clever additions, and crucially keeping Olise and Eze, there could be the making of a squad who could fight for a top half spot and more.
Despite a midfielder not being at the top of Palace’s wishlist, the South Londoners are one of a number of clubs already been offered the chance to sign free agent Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi. The 27-year-old has an abundance of Premier League experience and could help supplement options in the middle of the park alongside Wharton, Will Hughes, the returning Cheick Doucoure and Lerma.
The 1-1 draw at Fulham highlighted that without their sidekick alongside them, Eze or Olise struggle to carry the attacking burden fully on their shoulders.
But making a play to sign attacking midfielder Callum O’Hare, who will be a free agent after leaving Championship side Coventry City, could help bridge the gap when one of the dynamic duo have to drop out of the squad.
O’Hare’s arrival would also allow Jesurun Rak-Sakyi to head out on loan and further his development after a frustrating campaign.
Palace are also in the market to strengthen their full-back department, with the emphasis placed on the contributions of Daniel Munoz and Tyrick Mitchell key to the system working.
Versatile defender Ben Johnson has been linked with a move to Selhurst Park, but our paper understands he is not a player the Eagles are actively pursuing.
The Eagles are braced for the departure of Marc Guehi, 23. The England international will be entering the final two years of his deal and now would be the optimal time for Palace to cash in.
While it would seem likely Palace would spend to replace the outgoing former Chelsea defender, Lloyd Kelly at Bournemouth could also prove an astute signing if they were presented with an opportunity to land the 25-year-old on a free transfer this summer.
With Joel Ward and Will Hughes both triggering contract extensions heading into next year, Palace’s preparations for the next campaign are well and truly underway.
The return of Olise and Eze from injury has naturally played an invaluable role in Palace’s attacking prowess. But with the consistency shown by the entire team in this undefeated run – 13 points from a possible 15 – it must give Glasner a tantasliing glimpse of what Palace can become with a handful of shrewd additions.
PICTURES: PA
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