Alan Shearer reveals how Crystal Palace have been ‘amazing’ without Eberechi Eze
Crystal Palace are thriving in the Premier League this season despite losing star man Eberechi Eze over the summer.
Eze completed a move to Arsenal, after the Gunners hijacked North London rivals Tottenham’s attempts to secure his signature.
Since the England international departed, Oliver Glasner’s side have won five and drawn three of their eight games in all competitions.
After clinching the FA Cup last term, Palace arguably look even better this season, despite being without talisman Eze.
Crystal Palace utilise consistency to fill Eberechi Eze void
On Saturday (27 September), Palace beat reigning champions Liverpool 2-1, a result which leaves them third in the Premier League.
Ismalia Sarr opened the scoring for Glasner’s side, but it looked as if the Reds had snatched a point when Federico Chiesa equalised late in the second half.
However, deep into stoppage time, Eddie Nketiah popped up at the back post with the winner, sparking scenes of pandemonium at Selhurst Park.
Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer highlighted the fact that Crystal Palace have kept their starting lineup consistent from last season, which has helped them limit the damage caused by Eze’s exit.
Bar the 27-year-old winger, the South London side had exactly the same XI against Liverpool as they did against Manchester City in the FA Cup final.
Shearer said: “They’ve lost Eze and replaced him with Yeremy Pino, but nothing’s changed. They’ve been amazing in that system. That’s how you play that system in terms of three at the back and two wing-backs, and they’ve got some really talented players in there.”
Oliver Glasner is proving his quality
At one point in the summer transfer window, it looked as if Crystal Palace would be losing Marc Guehi, along with Eze.
However, Glasner threatened to resign if his captain was allowed to move to Liverpool without a proper replacement in place, which led to the deal breaking down.
Despite keeping hold of Guehi, some thought that Palace may struggle without Eze, but instead, they have kicked on and are nine points better off than at this stage last season.
| Year | Games Played (Premier League) | Position | Points |
| 2025/26 | 6 | 3rd | 12 |
| 2024/25 | 6 | 18th | 3 |
As a result, it is no surprise that Glasner is being linked to the Manchester United job, with Ruben Amorim under pressure.
If he continues to impress in South London, the Austrian will have admirers from all the top clubs across Europe.