Wilfried Zaha, Conor Gallagher and Joachim Andersen impressed as Crystal Palace were held to a 1-1 draw by Brighton & Hove Albion on Monday.
Crystal Palace were the brighter of the two sides for much of the first half but were unable to make their dominance count, with an effort from Odsonne Edouard midway through the opening period being the only real moment when Robert Sanchez was tested. However, the Eagles did break the deadlock heading into half-time, with pretty much the last kick of the first half.
Wilfried Zaha converted from the spot at the stroke of half-time after Conor Gallagher had been brought down by a barging Leandro Trossard. Post the break, Brighton started garnering better moments in front of the Palace goal but the hosts were still in control for the most part, and should have put the game to bed late on, only for Jordan Ayew to inexplicably miss the target.
Their profligacy would come back to haunt the hosts, as Brighton equalised at the end of an express move right at the end of the game, with Neal Maupay scoring with a first-time shot to ensure a share of the spoils and send the Seagulls level on points with table-toppers Liverpool. The Hard Tackle now runs the rule over Patrick Vieira’s men.
Vicente Guaita: 6/10
One of those games wherein Guaita did not have a lot of glovework to do. However, the Crystal Palace no. 1 did still make a fine save to deny Danny Welbeck in the first half. Could not have done much to deny Neal Maupay, although it is arguable whether he could have been positioned better.
Joel Ward: 6/10
A game of hits and misses for Ward, who struggled to cope with the pace of Welbeck at times, but did produce some solid defensive moments as well. Started the move that led to the Crystal Palace goal, as he won the ball off Welbeck before Conor Gallagher set off on his run that won the penalty.
Joachim Andersen: 8/10
A solid customer at the heart of the Crystal Palace defence once again, Andersen also played some brilliant passes that helped his side ignite crisp moves. Won each of the three duels he contested while opening up play with a number of long passes. What a fine addition to the squad.
Marc Guehi: 7/10
An outing that saw Guehi continue blossoming his dominant central defensive partnership with Andersen. And like his partner, the former Chelsea defender also facilitating efficient build-up plays from the back with some precise passing. There were a couple of brilliant defensive moments as well, one to deny Welbeck from creating a promising moment while the other was a brilliant clearance.
Tyrick Mitchell: 7/10
A fine outlet down the left flank while also defending Leandro Trossard ably. Won four duels while also playing a team-high key pass. His link-up with Wilfried Zaha was delightful at times, although he did lose the ball cheaply on a few occasions. Decent enough overall.
Conor Gallagher: 8/10
Once again, Gallagher was the bright spark in the Crystal Palace midfield, running the show whenever the hosts were on top of Brighton. Did not create many chances but did move the ball along quickly to ensure Brighton never settled into a shape. Instrumental in the opening goal for the hosts, winning the penalty at the end of a smart run into the Brighton box.
⭐️ Conor Gallagher’s contribution for @CPFC tonight
56 touches
Completed 27/34 passes
9x possession gained
2 shot blocks
Fouled to win a penalty pic.twitter.com/LTIx0qROEQ— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) September 27, 2021
Luka Milivojevic: 7/10
Making his first Premier League start of the season, Milivojevic provided a solid base in midfield and his crisp passing ensured the hosts made their good moments count in the middle of the park. There were one or two sloppy moments, though, as the game progress, with the Crystal Palace captain starting to get a little leggy before being taken off for Cheikhou Kouyate.
James McArthur: 7/10
A typically tenacious performance by McArthur in the middle of the park, with the experienced midfielder seeing a lot of the ball in the middle of the park, from where he linked up smartly with Zaha and Mitchell. Misplaced just four passes all game, which in tur ensured that Crystal Palace were on top of the proceedings for the most part.
Jordan Ayew: 6/10
Ayew was typically industrious in his display high up the pitch, with his pressing being the high point of his performance. However, the Ghanaian forward was guilty of spurning a fine chance when set up by Christian Benteke late on. Needs to get that elusive goal.
Odsonne Edouard: 7/10
Solid even if unspectacular by Edouard, who did have a chance to score but was denied by Robert Sanchez. Did not see a whole lot of the ball, but he pressed aggressively and effectively high up the pitch, helping Palace win the ball quickly. Ought to have set Zaha up for a fine chance but mistimed his pass.
Wilfried Zaha: 8/10
As is usually the case with Zaha, he was a lively presence on the left side of the Crystal Palace attack and often left the Brighton defenders back-pedaling. There were a few sloppy moments on the ball and he did lose possession 27 times, but Zaha was the best prospect to get a goal for Palace. Capped off a solid display with another goal against one of his most favourite opponents, from the spot.
Wilfried Zaha has now scored more goals vs Brighton (8) than any club in his career.
And Palace have never lost against them when it happens. ? pic.twitter.com/ZfxwKq1jBC
— William Hill (@WilliamHill) September 27, 2021
SUBSTITUTES
Christian Benteke: 7/10
On for Edouard, Benteke was bright in his cameo and even set up a brilliant chance for Ayew, only for the Ghanaian forward to miss the target.
Cheikhou Kouyate: 6/10
Hardly saw the ball in the final 20 minutes of the game, with Brighton seeing more of the ball late on. Misplaced three of the five passes he attempted but kept the midfield unit disciplined.
Jeffrey Schlupp: N/A
A late introduction, Schlupp managed just two touches on the ball in the dying embers of the game.
