Crystal Palace analysis: Sarr shines as Eagles keep Euro dream alivepublished at 21:17 GMT 19 March
21:17 GMT 19 March
Steve Sutcliffe BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Oliver Glasner had called for his side to be more ruthless in front of goal following their 0-0 draws, against Larnaca and in the Premier League against Leeds, over the past week.
And when Ismaila Sarr latched on to Adam Wharton's deflected pass to put Palace in charge early on, his wish appeared to have been granted.
The forward was Palace's main source of inspiration throughout the night and thought he had doubled the lead midway through the first half, but was correctly flagged offside when he headed in Daichi Kamada's delivery from the left.
But worryingly from there, his side's performance fell flat.
Larnaca had barely got out of their half until they levelled when the unmarked Enric Saborit climbed above Chris Richards to head in a set-piece.
However, Sarr came to the rescue to maintain the Eagles' European dream and deserved a first senior hat-trick, with his late attempts hitting the woodwork.
On this form, he looks capable of helping his departing Austrian boss go out on a high at the end of the campaign, as Palace look to become the third team from London to lift the Conference League trophy in four years.
AEK Larnaca v Crystal Palace: Team newspublished at 17:02 GMT 19 March
17:02 GMT 19 March
AEK Larnaca make one alteration from the 0-0 draw in the first leg against Crystal Palace a week ago, with Petros Ionannu replacing the injured Jorge Miramon.
Crystal Palace make two changes to the side that drew 0-0 against Leeds in the Premier League last Sunday as Adam Wharton and Daichi Kamada return in midfield.
That means Jefferson Lerma and Will Hughes drop to the bench. Eagles goalkeeper Dean Henderson remains absent through illness, so Maxence Lacroix will skipper the team.
Which side has suffered most from Premier League injuries this season?published at 11:59 GMT 19 March
11:59 GMT 19 March
Image source, Getty Images
We are getting to the stage of the season where every Premier League team is managing injuries in their squad as the sheer volume and intensity of games begins to take its toll.
But who has been most affected by injuries across the campaign so far?
Ben Dinnery, from Premier Injuries Limited, has provided the data below, showing the number of domestic injuries each top-flight team has suffered, defined by a player missing at least one Premier League game.
The data has been taken from the opening weekend up to and including 18 March.
Despite this table listing domestic injuries, it is unsurprising that the top three of Arsenal, Chelsea and Aston Villa have all competed in European competition, with the Gunners still fighting on four fronts and the Blues also coming off the back of a much-shortened pre-season following their Club World Cup victory.
Perhaps more surprisingly, however, is the fact Arsenal's 31 domestic injuries so far comfortably leads the way, illustrating the strength and depth available to Mikel Arteta to still have his side nine points clear at the top of the table.
The graphic below shows Tottenham lead the way for days missed by injured players, illustrating the issues faced by Thomas Frank, who had to cope with long-term absentees including Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison.
Both West Ham and Brentford are in the bottom three for domestic injuries and days missed through those injuries, while Arsenal and Villa are in the top three for both.
Chelsea drop down the table when looking at days missed, showing they have predominately suffered from short absences spread throughout the squad.
It is worth pointing out that Newcastle's two longest absences this season - Emil Krafth (120 days) and Yoane Wissa (88 days), who had not yet even trained with his new side, resulted from injuries picked up on international duty and are not factored into the figures.
Glasner on team news, Larnaca and Pino's lack of confidence published at 16:42 GMT 18 March
16:42 GMT 18 March
Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has been speaking to the media before Thursday's Conference League game against AEK Larnaca at AEK Arena (kick-off 17:45 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
The Eagles boss confirmed Dean Henderson is "still unwell" and will not feature against the Cypriot team, but wing-back Daniel Munoz "is fine to play". Glasner added: "Overall, it is positive, we have no further injuries."
Last summer's signing Yeremy Pino has had a "lack in confidence" but the forward "is trying very hard" and "wants to show up and prove how good he is". "I have told him relax. Because in training we see what a great player he is and what a great finish he has," added Glasner.
On the first leg: "We watched the first leg back and we were very dominant. This game could have ended 2-0. But it didn't end like that. It's 0-0 and now the winner takes it all."
On Larnaca: "They're doing really well, with all their experience. They defended crosses and balls into the box really well last week. We might need to create six or seven big chances, rather than four or five. But we can do this."
Gossip: Alonso would target Wharton for Liverpoolpublished at 06:56 GMT 18 March
06:56 GMT 18 March
If Xabi Alonso replaces Arne Slot as Liverpool manager, Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton would be one of his priority summer targets. (Teamtalk), external
'It's now Larnaca or bust'published at 08:57 GMT 17 March
08:57 GMT 17 March
Alex Pewter Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
It has been 13 consecutive seasons in the "greatest league in the world" for Crystal Palace, and the team are threatening at 14th.
After 30 league matches, this remains the club's third-best points return across those seasons and the team remain in Europe, yet a smattering of boos floated down at full-time against Leeds United.
Are you not entertained, we hear you ask. Well, probably not, no.
Much has been said regarding Oliver Glasner versus low blocks, and even those with differing viewpoints are struggling against the weight of evidence. Faced with 10 men or a defensive opponent happy to cede ground, Palace lack a back-up plan.
It is hard to decide whether this is purely a Crystal Palace issue, felt acutely after two tepid home displays within 72 hours, or symptomatic of this English campaign as a whole.
Two teams hurling almost every throw-in within the final 40% of the pitch into the opposing area, while the other doggedly resisted - if this is the beautiful game, it must have been having a rough Sunday.
Across past seasons, teams have been the footballing anti-heroes, opting for set-pieces and physicality to offset riches and raw talent. Palace have worn that badge with pride at times. But, as those counter-culture clubs have become the norm, that potential competitive edge disappears.
Sunday's frustration, therefore, doesn't stem from a false sense of superiority but from the failure to adapt and change the approach. As the league season fizzles out, all hopes hang in the balance on Thursday to keep the season alive. It's now Larnaca or bust.
Is the solution two up top or a back four? We are yet to find out. However, we are well aware of the oft-used, unofficial definition of insanity.
Crystal Palace 0-0 Leeds - the fans' verdictpublished at 11:59 GMT 16 March
11:59 GMT 16 March
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We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Crystal Palace and Leeds.
Here are some of your comments:
Crystal Palace fans
Dave: So poor going forward, Palace need to improve or could still get sucked into the relegation battle. Very lacklustre and slow moving the ball today. At times it looked like they had the ten men not Leeds. Need to do better.
Gary: Do we have to wait to the end of the season to rebuild? A manager and half the first team wanting out. Should we expect anything else than this dross?
Bob: I cannot believe that this is the club that won the FA Cup and Community Shield! I'm lost for words. There's no passion for victory, even playing against 10 men. Most of our best players have gone, including our captain, and others are leaving at the end of the season, including Glasner. I cannot wait for this season to finish and start afresh! The empty seats near the end of the game said it all.
Trevor: Poor performance from Palace. Glasner going through the motions - walking football at it's worst.
Leeds fans
Gerry: Leeds are basically donating catch-up points to their relegation rivals. Week after week we hear of missed opportunities despite "brave efforts". With West Ham and Spurs still to play, two defeats could see Leeds needing their "tremendous team spirit" to get themselves out of the Championship next season.
Dan: This is now a four horse race for survival and missing that penalty is a gut punch for us but, let's be honest, we never do well down in London so a point with 10 men has to be celebrated. We just have to get a couple more wins and we'll be safe.
Andy: Defensively sound, referee ruined the game with poor decisions, move on, a decent point under the circumstances.
Richard: The ref took two points off us today. Great team spirit to keep it 0-0, but even then I think we looked the most dangerous in the second half.
Crystal Palace analysis: Eagles with blunt talonspublished at 17:23 GMT 15 March
17:23 GMT 15 March
Emma Smith BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Palace manager Oliver Glasner was forced into a change of goalkeeper for this game, with captain Dean Henderson absent because of illness. A league ever-present this season, Henderson had started 77 consecutive Premier League matches for the Eagles.
Back-up Walter Benitez made his Premier League debut and dealt well with the Leeds bombardment - particularly from long throws.
Palace were well beaten at Elland Road in December, when they were particularly vulnerable to Ethan Ampadu's long throw. Glasner admitted his side struggled with Leeds' physicality that day.
His side stood up much better here, and earned a draw that eases them closer to the 40-point mark that is so coveted by teams fearful of relegation.
But in attack Palace were blunt once again, in their second home goalless draw in four days following their Conference League stalemate against Larnaca.
Palace have scored just seven league goals from open play at home this season, the lowest total in the division - and their deficiencies were particularly exposed by failing to create many quality chances against relegation battlers playing with 10 men.
They become the first Premier League team on record not to register a shot on target against an opponent who had a player sent off in the first half.
Crystal Palace 0-0 Leeds: What Glasner saidpublished at 17:03 GMT 15 March
17:03 GMT 15 March
Media caption,
Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner, speaking to BBC Match of the Day after their goalless draw with Leeds: "We could have done better, but we know that sometimes it can be more difficult [playing 10 men]. In a few other games we have been in a similar situation. We were getting nervous and taking the wrong decisions. We weren't clinical enough in the final third.
"In the end, a point and another clean sheet. It is progress. We have to stay calm and stay in our structure because I feel we are losing our structure then."
How can you improve? "It's not just one topic. We have won many times with a deep block and I remember we won against Brighton with two red cards. It's not so easy, especially when Leeds are so organised and so physical.
"Sometimes you need a player who will win in a 1v1 situation, but to be honest we don't have plenty of them."
On Leeds' sending off: "I didn't know. The players behind me on the bench told me. It's clear that a second yellow is a red."
What were you and Daniel Farke talking about going in to half-time? "We were talking about that maybe this isn't the nicest football game in the world. At the end, a draw is fair. Credit to Leeds for how they defended. We take this point."
Did you know?
Crystal Palace have failed to score in consecutive games at Selhurst Park for just the second time under Oliver Glasner (v AEK Larnaca and Leeds United), and for the first time since October 2024 (v Manchester United and Liverpool).
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Crystal Palace v Leeds" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Liverpool v Spurs", for instance.
Sutton's predictions: Crystal Palace v Leedspublished at 10:47 GMT 15 March
10:47 GMT 15 March
Leeds hammered Crystal Palace 4-1 before Christmas but it will be much closer when they meet on Sunday.
Palace seem to have stabilised again, and have picked up a couple of wins to give themselves some breathing space over the bottom three.
Leeds are in much greater danger and I am a bit worried about them at the moment. They need to keep picking up positive results.
I really feel for Daniel Farke because he has had a great season but they are only three points clear of the relegation zone, and they really need something from this game.
There will be some goals in this, but I think the points will be shared.
Crystal Palace v Leeds: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 13:43 GMT 14 March
13:43 GMT 14 March
Chris Adams BBC Sport journalist
Crystal Palace have found some much-needed form since the transfer window shut but Sunday's opponents Leeds United are still very much looking over their shoulders at the teams below them.
Three wins in their past five league games – as many as they registered in their previous 14 – have moved Palace into 13th place. It's given them a 10-point cushion over the drop zone and afforded head coach Oliver Glasner some welcome breathing space after a tumultuous January.
The Eagles' victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on 22 February was their first in the league at Selhurst Park for nearly four months and they have won just three of their 14 top flight home games so far this season.
Strand by me
Although he didn't score in that win against his previous club, Palace's record signing Jorgen Strand Larsen has notched three goals in five league games since his deadline day arrival, offering Glasner a welcome alternative to Jean-Philippe Mateta at centre-forward.
Indeed, the £48m move seems to have reinvigorated the Norwegian striker, who was struggling to repeat his form from last season in the first half of this campaign.
For all their home woes this season, Palace have an impressive recent record in this exact fixture. Since a 2-1 defeat in the Championship in 2006, they are unbeaten in seven at home to Leeds, winning four of those.
Whites in for a fright?
It would take an unlikely quartet of scorelines over the weekend but Leeds could find themselves in the bottom three come Sunday evening.
Just two wins in 12 league games since Christmas has left Daniel Farke's side in 15th position, a mere three points above both West Ham United and Nottingham Forest.
The Whites have taken all three points on the road just once in this campaign, way back in September against Wolves, and a plethora of draws is arguably what has dragged them into the relegation battle.
Only Burnley and Wolves have shown worse form on the road this season.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin's glut of goals over the festive period has dried up and Leeds have suffered for it. This might be the perfect game for him to rekindle his form because against no side has he scored more Premier League goals than his seven against Palace.
The Eagles' defence struggled to contain Calvert-Lewin as he scored twice in the reverse fixture in December, a 4-1 win for the Whites, who are looking to complete the league double over the south London side for the first time since 1994-95.
To do so, though, Farke's outfit will have to overcome a growing problem when visiting the capital. Leeds are winless in their past 11 top-flight away games against London sides (drawn two, lost nine).
Glasner on Munoz, Mateta's return and playing two strikerspublished at 16:44 GMT 13 March
16:44 GMT 13 March
Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Leeds United at Selhurst Park (kick-off 14:00).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Glasner is "hopeful" Daniel Munoz will be in the squad on Sunday. Munoz will be assessed but "if he can train fully with us on Saturday" then he will be involved in the matchday squad.
On Jean-Philippe Mateta's return from injury: "We have just one league game and one Conference League game [this month]. It was the plan now to get him back and also have him available and give him a few minutes to get him back in. Then, we have three weeks. Of course, I wish for him to be called up by France, but I can't see it right now because he was injured for a long time."
On if Mateta and Jorgen Strand Larsen could play together: "Yes, we were talking about it on the bench with my assistants and discussing it. Having this opportunity, having two tall strikers, their biggest strength is in the box. It's good to have this option."
On hopes for the rest of the season: "We will try to get as many points as possible. I always want more than the season before. If we can achieve it, I don't know right now, but we will definitely go into every single game to get the win."
Crystal Palace 0-0 AEK Larnaca - the fans' verdictpublished at 07:58 GMT 13 March
07:58 GMT 13 March
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your thoughts after Thursday's Europa League last-16 first leg between Crystal Palace and AEK Larnaca.
Here are some of your comments:
Rich: Oliver Glasner has no clue how to break down a low block. The performances at Selhurst Park this season have been uninspiring and underwhelming. This display fits into that description. It is a blessing Glasner is leaving as he is showing his managerial limitations and appears to be a one-trick pony.
Ron: Very poor again. Just too slow in getting the ball in the box. Adam Wharton's worst game - his passing was terrible. Couldn't see any plan on show. No urgency. Very disappointing from the whole team. Play like this in Cyprus and we'll lose. Get a grip, Palace.
Andy: No energy when moving the ball and only three shots on target says it all. Game called for two playing up front, but it was our usual striker-for-striker swap. We need to use the width more as we can't break teams down through the middle. We need to consider playing 3-5-2, with Will Hughes in middle instead of Daichi Kamada.
Al: Why is Glasner unable to deploy tactics to beat a low block. Frustrating second half and his substitutions, swapping like for like, questioned his tactical nous.
Vic: Still can't break down a very organised Larnaca. once again, Palace had the chances but we couldn't convert at least three certain chances because of some last-ditch defending. Larnaca got what they came for but Palace are still in the game.
Crystal Palace 0-0 AEK Larnaca: What Johnson saidpublished at 22:39 GMT 12 March
22:39 GMT 12 March
Image source, Getty Images
Crystal Palace's Brennan Johnson speaking to TNT Sports after the goalless draw with AEK Larnaca: "The overall feeling is one of disappointment. We had chances.
"It's 0-0. We can't have our heads held too low because next week we have another big game.
"We're in the exact same position as we were going into this game. It's 0-0, all to play for, we know what we can do, we're confident, we have to execute that."
On being deployed at right wing-back ahead of Nathaniel Clyne in the absence of Daniel Munoz: "Wherever the manager needs me to play I'm happy to do so - it's a privilege to play for this club."
Image source, Getty Images
