Crystal Palace: How the Premier League’s feel-good story turned sour | OneFootball

Hope returned to Selhurst Park with Daniel Munoz and Ismaila Sarr back, only for Crystal Palace to lose 3-1 to Chelsea. According to NY Times, Oliver Glasner had cooled the mood pre-match and recent turmoil seemed to ease.

Early encouragement soon faded. By the 50th minute Jaydee Canvot’s handball led to a long VAR review and a penalty, then Adam Wharton was sent off for a second yellow after a late challenge on Moises Caicedo. Mateta had earlier missed at 0-0.

A month earlier, fans had serenaded Glasner in Dublin after a 3-0 Conference League win over Shelbourne, with Palace fourth on 26 points from 15. They had lifted the FA Cup in May and pieced together a 19-game unbeaten run.

Since then they have taken only two points from eight league matches. Glasner has confirmed he will leave at season’s end, Marc Guehi has been sold to Manchester City, Jean-Philippe Mateta is unsettled, and the only signing is club record buy Brennan Johnson.

Supporters describe a perfect storm, fearing a promising season could peter out and warning Forest could close in if results do not turn. Glasner’s criticism of the hierarchy and a no-substitutions defeat at Sunderland also brought boos.

Empty seats appeared before full-time, and in the 85th minute Mateta was booed off for Christantus Uche. A late push brought Chris Richards’ goal and Glasner spoke of transition, saying the effort gave him confidence. Lose to Nottingham Forest next Sunday and the relegation risk grows.

Source: NY Times