Crystal Palace secured a historic 4-0 victory over Manchester United at Selhurst Park, completing their first league double over the club. The game started with a bang as Michael Olise scored a brilliant goal, running unchallenged for 20 yards before slotting the ball past Andre Onana. Jean-Philippe Mateta continued Palace’s dominance by finishing emphatically, making it his sixth consecutive goal on home turf. Tyrick Mitchell then tapped in from close range after a fine cross from Adam Wharton, and Olise capitalized on a Casemiro mistake to power in another goal.
From the very beginning, Crystal Palace looked full of intent, while United failed to show up at Selhurst Park. United’s defensive performance was one of the worst of the season, with Casemiro and Evans forming their 14th center-back partnership of the campaign. This allowed Palace’s Eberechi Eze and Olise to control the play and cause trouble for United throughout the match.
On the other hand, Manchester United’s recent form has been concerning. With only one win in their last seven games, they have slid down the table to eighth place. They are now at risk of missing out on European football altogether for next season. They must either finish seventh in the Premier League to secure a spot in the Europa Conference League or win the FA Cup final against Manchester City to secure a place in the Europa League. Their upcoming match against Arsenal will be crucial for their chances.
One standout player for Crystal Palace in this match was Adam Wharton. Since joining the club in January, Wharton has consistently impressed with his performances. His slick passing and defensive prowess have been evident, and he has been a huge addition to the team. With England boss Gareth Southgate in attendance, Wharton’s performance may have caught his attention, potentially earning him a surprise inclusion in the preliminary squad for Euro 2024.
Overall, this devastating defeat for Manchester United raises questions about their defensive capabilities and their chances of securing European football next season. Crystal Palace, on the other hand, can take pride in their incredible performance and the emergence of young talents like Wharton. The upcoming matches will be crucial for both teams as they aim to achieve their respective goals.