Daniel Munoz stunning, Ismaila Sarr flops – Crystal Palace ratings vs Millwall
Crystal Palace secured a 3-1 win over rivals Millwall in a match that was overshadowed by an injury to Jean-Philippe Mateta.
With eight minutes gone, Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts was sent off after a kick to Mateta’s head, leading to 13 minutes of on-field treatment for the French striker.
In the 17th minute, substitute Eddie Nketiah, a replacement for the French striker, had the ball in the back of the net, but the goal was disallowed following a handball from the former Arsenal striker.
Palace took the lead in the 33rd minute, after an own goal from Japhet Tanganga, following a cross from Fulham’s January transfer target Will Hughes.
The Eagles then doubled their lead through Barcelona and Man City target Daniel Munoz, after the Colombian right-back flicked the ball in from close range.
Millwall made it 2-1 on the stroke of half-time, after Wes Harding hammered a strike on goal, with Matt Turner left flat-footed following a deflection off January signing from Chelsea Ben Chilwell.
Nketiah finally scored, after a fantastic display, netting after a Chris Richards flick-on to seal the deal in the 81st minute.
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner watches his side dispatch of Millwall
Matt Turner – 6
A quiet game with few saves to make, unlucky for Millwall’s only goal.
Chris Richards – 8
Fantastic performance from the former Bayern Munich defender, assisted Nketiah’s goal and was very composed.
Maxence Lacroix – 8
Perfectly compliments Guehi and Richards at the heart of the Eagles’ defence with his reading of the game.
Marc Guehi – 8
Completed the most passes in the match and had little to do defensively after Millwall were reduced to 10 men.
Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi dictates tempo with effortless control
Daniel Munoz (off for Clyne 90′) – 9 – Player-of-the-Match
Commentator Jonathan Pearce almost ran out of superlatives for the wing-back, a fantastic performance.
Jefferson Lerma (off for Devenny 90′) – 7
All over the pitch, winning tackles, making interceptions and making progressive passes.
Will Hughes (off for Wharton 66′) – 6
A quieter performance from Hughes before he was replaced by Wharton.
Ben Chilwell – 7
Calm and composed, building a great understanding with Eze on the left-hand side.
Isamaila Sarr (off for Esse 66′) – 5
Struggled against the Lions and did not respond well to the physical challenge.
Jean-Philippe Mateta suffers horrific injury for Crystal Palace
Eberechi Eze (off for Franca 85′) – 7
The target of some rough Millwall challenges but dealt with them in his usual casual and stylish way, helping dictate proceedings around him.
Jean-Philippe Mateta (off for Nketiah 16′) – 6
Suffered an appalling injury, and was taken to hospital after being taken off.
Substitutes
Eddie Nketiah (on for Mateta 16′ – concussion sub) – 8
Lead the line fantastically following the injury to Mateta.
Adam Wharton (on for Hughes 66′) – 7
Showed a touch of class in controlling the tempo of the game after being brought on.
Romain Esse (on for Sarr 66′) – 5
Struggled to get involved against his former side.
Matheus Franca (on for Eze 85′) – 6
Not enough time to have a meaningful impact on the game.
Nathaniel Clyne (on for Munoz 90′) – 6
Brought on in the last minute to see out the game.
Justin Devenny (on for Lerma 90′) – 6
A short cameo for a talented young player.