Eberechi Eze rubbish, Ismaila Sarr wonderful – Crystal Palace ratings v Ipswich
Ismaila Sarr was the hero as Crystal Palace left it late to claim all three points against Ipswich Town on Saturday.
Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich looked to be heading for an all-important 0-0 draw away from home, with the Tractor Boys battling to stay in the division, but they could not hold out at Selhurst Park on 8 March.
Many were concerned heading into the game without Jean-Philippe Mateta, who was injured following a red-card challenge from Liam Roberts during the FA Cup clash against Millwall.
Jacob Greaves could have also seen himself sent off for Ipswich during the game but Keith Hackett believes Simon Hooper made the correct decision.
While Eddie Nketiah had a couple of chances to fill the Frenchman’s boots, it was Sarr who stepped up to the plate and delivered the goods, linking with Daichi Kamada before chipping over Alex Palmer.
It was an extremely cruel way for Ipswich to be dealt a defeat but it was a well-earned victory by the Eagles.
Dean Henderson key to Crystal Palace clean sheet
Dean Henderson – 8
An incredible display from the former Man United man in between the sticks, making several saves to keep his team from going behind at Selhurst Park.
Marc Guehi – 4
Picked up a needless yellow card before the hour mark, forcing him to be far more careful for the remainder of the match. Possibly weaker in challenges because of that.
Maxence Lacroix – 5
A decent display from the Frenchman but totally outshone by the American next to him.
Chris Richards – 7
As well as threatening Palmer’s goal in the final third, popping up with strikes on either side of half-time, he was integral to keeping Palace’s clean sheet at home.
Tyrick Mitchell (Off for Ben Chilwell 72′) – 6
Rarely missed a tackle, created chances aplenty in the final third, and made sure Palace kept a clean sheet before being replaced with 20 minutes remaining.
| Crystal Palace | Ipswich Town |
| 55% possession | 45% possession |
| 3.47xG | 1.17xG |
| 19 shots | 15 shots |
| 4 chances missed | 2 big chances |
| 5 corners | 4 corners |
Eberechi Eze frustrates at Selhurst Park
Jefferson Lerma – 5
Some sloppy passes in the middle of the park. Not his finest display, having been dribbled past multiple times, but was still key to victory.
Adam Wharton (Off for Justin Devenny 87′) – 6
Bright display from the 21-year-old, who is still working his way back to full fitness. With his performance not his very best, it is easy to see why Tottenham are interested in Wharton.
Daniel Munoz – 7
One of the most incredible pieces of business since arriving at Palace in January 2024. Could have scored his fourth league goal of the season and never skipped a beat on the right flank.
Eberechi Eze (Off for Romain Esse 90+2′) – 3
Eze was hugely wasteful in the final third, having a total of six shots but unable to get a single one on target. He has not scored in the Premier League since December.
Ismaila Sarr – 9 – Man of the Match
Not stopping all afternoon, Sarr was the eventual hero as Glasner’s side stole all three points from the Tractor Boys with just eight minutes of normal time remaining.
Eddie Nketiah (Off for Daichi Kamada 72′) – 7
Incredibly unlucky not to continue his run of goals, having netted in back-to-back games against Aston Villa and Millwall. Will surely come if his form continues.
Ismaila Sarr fills in for absent Jean-Philippe Mateta
Substitutes
Ben Chilwell (On for Mitchell 72′) – 5
Committed a professional foul to slow play down. Offered little else as a substitute.
Daichi Kamada (On for Nketiah 72′) – 7
Was key in the build-up to Sarr’s winning goal, albeit not counting towards his assist count at Selhurst Park.
Justin Devenny (On for Wharton 87′) – N/A
Romain Esse (On for Eze 90+2′) – N/A