Crystal Palace Face Manchester City to start Matchday 2 | OneFootball

Crystal Palace supporters should be aggrieved after their opening week loss. Some of the familiar tunes from last season echoed around the Hill Dickinson grounds, and it was not music that any Eagles fan wanted to hear. It sang of squandered opportunities punctuated by crescendos of groans and the dull cacophony of balls striking the woodwork. Some matches are like that.

Unpacking Everton’s Goals

One could argue that Chris Richards left Keirnan Dewsbury-Hall too much space on the first goal, but that debate’s won in hindsight. Fair play to Dewsbury-Hall, whose strike was expertly woven through the narrow angle he was given. Still, Richards must think hard about allowing any of the City players that much grace, or space.

The second goal was equally frustrating. Thierno Barry just snuck into the gap between Richards and Canvot, and Iliman Ndiaye’s cross was laser-accurate. I’d argue that Canvot needed to be closer to put a nudge on Barry; Richards backtracked appropriately but couldn’t get a touch on that cross. If a pair like Ndiaya/Barry can do this damage, Palace had best tighten up when Semenyo/Haaland come to Selhurst Park. 

Not the debut Sage wanted

New gaffer Pierre Sage had to be let down by the final whistle. Palace managers have a poor track record in opening matches; only two of the last 14 won their debuts. Of course, those two were legends Oliver Glasner and Alan Pardew. He was clearly hoping to follow in their footsteps.

In terms of formation and game strategy, the Frenchman hadn’t gone and made too many changes. But he now knows first hand the agony that his predecessor Glasner experienced all too frequently last season. If the Eagles’ convert on those early chances we’re likely having a very different conversation. Sage should look over and review, but there’s no need to burn down the house. It’s one bloody game.

Injury Report

On the Palace side, last week’s knee injury to Chadi Riad is concerning, particularly given his history. We know he won’t feature in tomorrow’s match but further diagnosis has been made public. Ismaïla Sarr continues to recover from his groin injury, and Eddie Nketiah will continue to fill in for him

Manchester City will be without Jérémy Doku but otherwise all the big guns are locked, loaded and ready to start.

Friday Night Lights

It’s a rare Friday night fixture for these sides, and the history does not favor the home side. Crystal Palace have failed to defeat City at Selhurst Park in over a decade, and have recorded two wins in the past 22 fixtures. Still, fans will remember their epic 1-0 win in the FA Cup final, and tell themselves it is possible to beat the Cityzens in London (just maybe not South London).

Manchester City are no longer an impervious foe. They’ve conceded a goal in their last seven straight matches. Against Bournemouth last week, they needed two late goals to snatch the victory. Sure, they were the stronger team in that second half, but let’s maintain some optimism. City can be beaten.

I’ll also claim, and acknowledge that this is an unpopular sentiment, that this home fixture against Manchester City isn’t really all that critical. Not in the larger picture. Yes, winning the home opener sets a tone for the season. Sure, three points will make everyone feel much better heading into September. And toppling the financial giant of City is always heart-warming for a club of Palace’s stature.

Rough Weeks Ahead

But next week Palace have a mid-week fixture against Middlesbrough in the EFL Cup second round. The week after that they’ll kick off their UEFA Europa League competition, though that opponent is not yet known.

This season is just like Daniel LaRusso’s journey in Karate Kid. Get beat up. Find balance. Win.