Strand Larsen double helps Eagles ease past battling Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup
Crystal Palace 3 Middlesbrough 0
It was a tie which had the potential for an upset - but Crystal Palace eased into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, thanks to a brace of headers by Jorgen Strand Larsen and a fine chipped goal by Daichi Kamada against Middlesbrough at Selhurst Park.
Strand Larsen’s aerial abilities ultimately made the difference against the Championship outfit, who acquitted themselves well, but lacked the clinical touch of their hosts who merited their win in the end.
His interventions, one in each half, made life straightforward for Palace boss Pierre Sage, while Kamada’s moment of joy amid an otherwise rudimentary night, proved to be the simple icing on the Eagles’ cake.
The south Londoners have European football on their agenda this winter – yet a decent cup run is not out of the question, if Sage can keep his squad fit and focused beyond Premier League duties and the Europa League. The visit of Lech Poznan to Selhurst will be undoubtedly a spicier affair than this one against Boro with Palace fans gearing up for the tie in nine days’ time.
This was Middlesbrough’s second visit to the capital in a matter of days – and Kim Hellberg’s side were hoping for another productive raid. Nevertheless their lack of potency was a frustration considering they were confident in possession, and, truthfully, the nature of the scoreline flattered Palace to an extent.
Alterations
Saturday’s victory at QPR on Championship business was hard fought, but deserved for the Teessiders. Middlesbrough, like the Eagles, rang the changes for this cup tie, with both teams making eight alterations from their weekend exploits.
For Crystal Palace, the season may still be in its early stages, with certain players settling into life in south London. However, there have been concerns about the defensive structure - even in relation to the recent 3-2 win against Fulham at Craven Cottage. Nevertheless, it remains early in Sage’s reign to rush to any convincing appraisals.
While Boro started confidently and looked nimble going forward, they had to rely on a smart save by their keeper Sol Brynn to deny an instinctive, close range effort from Palace attacking midfielder Yeremy Pino.
Boro almost took the lead with 35 minutes gone. Amario Cozier-Duberry, an enthusiastic presence cutting in from the left, swept an angled shot which sailed inches past Walter Benitez in the hosts’ goal.
Just a couple of minutes later the hitherto unremarkable fare was illuminated for Palace when they took the lead.
Strand Larsen got on the end of a cross from the right by Oscar Mingueza to nod home inside the six yard area. It was a classic poacher’s finish, although questions will be asked of Boro’s rearguard as to why the danger was not cleared. An ill-opportune moment for Hellberg’s outfit who had competed well and were able to play at a tempo which suited them.
If the visitors considered themselves slightly unfortunate to be a goal down at the break, then any hopes of recovery were essentially dashed eight minutes into the second half. Strand Larsen made the Teessiders pay with a clinically taken, orthodox centre forward’s header.
As Ben Chilwell’s cross from the left narrowly eluded Boro defender Alfie Jones, Palace’s robust Norwegian kept focused to demonstrate his noted aerial power, leaving Brynn with no chance.
Flourishes
The extra cushion allowed Palace to express themselves much better in terms of their overall passing game. Neat touches and little flourishes which were absent emerged, as Boro, for all their controlled possession, could not fashion any danger.
Therefore, the Eagles’ third goal, a sumptuous effort when it came in 72 minutes, by substitute Kamada, was no real surprise.
The Japanese player rolled on to a through ball as Boro understandably had to commit extra personnel forward - and his delightful chip from the edge of the penalty area caught out Brynn. A sublime moment which was lapped up by the south London faithful.
With this cup obligation now safely negotiated, Crystal Palace entertain Ipswich Town on Saturday. A tougher test, arguably, against the Premier League newcomers. Sage, while not overwhelmed by this, will at least have his squad – subject to significant rotation once more – in a good place in most respects.
Eagles: Benitez, Mingueza, Tomiyasu, Disasi (Lerma 73), Ahanor, Chilwell, Osorio (Kamada 59), Timber (Wharton 59), Hughes, Pino (McNeil 73), Strand-Larsen (Gozo 73)
Attendance: 13,074
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