Crystal Palace have unearthed gem who racked up five key passes vs Liverpool
Crystal Palace stunned Liverpool in a 3-0 victory in the EFL Cup fourth round with a fluid team performance and some incredible individual displays.
Crystal Palace fans chanted ‘you’re getting sacked in the morning’ to Arne Slot as they breezed past a heavily rotated Reds outfit on 29 October.
Whilst the result sees Oliver Glasner‘s team get one step closer to even more silverware under his management, Crystal Palace are facing a schedule nightmare due to their multi-competition involvement.
Competing in the Conference League and the EFL Cup means the Austrian will have to call on every man in his squad, as they aim to build on last season’s FA Cup glory.
Yeremy Pino quickly on his way to becoming a Crystal Palace fan favourite
Whilst Ismaila Sarr stole the headlines with his brace in the victory at Anfield, the brilliance of summer signing Yeremy Pino has gone under the radar.
Pino joined Crystal Palace from Villarreal and has quickly adjusted to life in south London, becoming one of Glasner’s go-to men on the teamsheet.
The Spaniard delivered an all-round sensational display against Liverpool which was topped off by a neatly taken goal in the 88th minute.
The 23-year-old was the Eagles’ creative hub, racking up five key passes and creating one big chance, including teeing up Sarr’s second goal with a beautiful reverse pass.
Yet, it wasn’t just his attacking performance which caught the eye, Glasner will be certainly impressed with his work off the ball as well.
The Spain international won seven of his 12 ground duels as well as winning two of his three tackles.
This demonstrates his superb work rate, an attribute which will keep him in favour of the Eagles manager for the rest of the season.
Brentford test offers ideal match-up for Pino
Fresh off their win on Merseyside, Palace return back to Selhurst Park to host nearby neighbours Brentford on 1 November.
The Bees have picked up a bit of form of late, losing just one of their last four matches in all competitions.
Keith Andrews’ style incorporates defensive solidity with explosive counterattacking power through the pace of Kevin Schade and Dango Ouattara.
Therefore, the Eagles will have to be patient in breaking down the Brentford rearguard and will need the precision of Pino to cause disarray in their defence.
Moreover, Jean-Philippe Mateta will be tasked with pinning the centre-backs, likely opening up space for the Spaniard and Sarr to exploit.
Notching his first goal for his new club will be a weight off the shoulders for the ex-Villarreal man, but now he must kick on to really prove his worth to Palace.