Crystal Palace Won The War Against The French

Crystal Palace continued with their amazing exploits, achieving glory against Laurent Blanc’s Olympique Lyon. 2-0 it ended and these Frenchmen cannot be underestimated. Their calibre is evident, finishing a creditable 7th in their respective league in the previous campaign. This was an emphatic display for Palace. Maybe they might even celebrate with a trip to the French Riveira, coupled with a delicious meal overlooking the harbour. Roy Hodgson may even treat the squad to onion soup for starters followed with coq au vin. Will it be washed down with a splendid bottle of French wine. Just like Crystal Palace of late, it will be fine tasting.
In the opening chapter of this affair Lyon galloped forward, looking frightening. Bradley Barcola received the ball before surging towards the enemy’s fortress. His attempt flew over and beyond.
Crystal Palace though awoke when they received a free-kick on the right. Eberechi Eze whipped it in where Jeffrey Schlupp won the battle of the giants, heading home in style.
The ship then turned in the Eagles favour. It gave them the momentum and confidence to strive forward at every given opportunity endeavouring to create. Lyon looked lacklustre during this period.
Nathaniel Clyne worried the French party when he sped past the enemy prior to offering Schlupp another slice-of-the-dice. On this occasion Lyon’s goalkeeper Anthony Lopes prevented it acrobatically.
Palace’s Jordan Ayew was another who inflicted pain. He sent the ball in from the left and unluckily Odsonne Eduard could not get on the receiving end.
The Eagles became relaxed and comfortable, injecting extra heartache on the French. Stemming from a corner Joachim Anderson leapt high and connected with the ball. It then inevitably fell to Eduard. He slid in, fighting to the ball, before celebrations arose. During the shenanigans Lopes unfortunately sustained an injury, requiring medical attention.
The Eagles looked solid and were alert to any Lyon threat. Crystal Palace’s goalkeeper Sam Johnstone was a hero among heroes. There were a few incidents where he was magnificent. He got his hand to it twice when Lyon struck directly from outside the box. Skelly Alvero also caused havoc heading in the danger zone, but Johnstone dived to the left in order to prevent.
Eze could reign supreme as his country’s number 1 goal getter before long. He was outstanding and every time he latched onto the ball the crowd were expecting another piece of magic to materialise. It frequently did.
Crystal Palace nearly grabbed a third, late on, when Jean-Philippe Mateta went on the rampage. Lopes’s replacement Remy Riou produced a marvellous save to quieten the home crowd, however.
If the Eagles play like this week in week out this season ahead maybe déjà vu will become the regular norm at Selhurst Park. It will be a great season for Crystal Palace if this performance is anything to go by.

Watched by Nick Park