Crystal Palace FC's first-ever major European adventure is underway, as we battle to win the UEFA Conference League. Find out how you can join us on our journey.

European Tour

## Our Senegalese Sarr

> Ismaïla Sarr became the club’s third signing of the 2024/25 summer transfer window after joining on a five-year deal from Olympique de Marseille.

The 26-year-old attacker possesses plenty of experience of English football, having spent four years at Watford – recording 34 goals and 22 assists in 131 games – prior to joining Marseille, whom he helped reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League last season.

Sarr's career began in French football with Metz, before moving to Rennes and leading the club into Europe, as well as winning their first Coupe de France in almost half a century.

At international level, he has been a mainstay of the Senegal national side, earning 64 caps, scoring 13 goals and winning the Africa Cup of Nations in 2021.

His career has also been defined by his eye for the spectacular, having won Goal of the Season awards in both the Football League and the Europa League.

Sarr was ever-present in every Premier League matchday squad in his first season at the club, playing in all 38 games, while also featuring in a further nine cup games. He scored 11 goals across all competitions, with eight additional assists - including a stunning effort against rivals Brighton & Hove Albion and a brace against Aston Villa in the FA Cup semi-final.

2022/23, Watford (v West Bromwich Albion)

EFL Goal of the Season

Watford, 2020/21

Player of the Season

Players' Player of the Season

2018/19, Rennes (v Jablonec)

UEFA Europa League Goal of the Season

December 2024

Crystal Palace Player of the Month

Sarr

Instagram

Appearances

Goals

Goal of the month contenders | February 2026

Last time out | Zrinjski Mostar on Super8 

UEFA Conference League Match highlights: Zrinjski Mostar 1-1 Crystal Palace 

Sarr Previews Burnley

All Angles of Ismaïla Sarr's Goal v Brighton

The Full 90: Brighton v Crystal Palace | Palace TV+

Extended Highlights: Brighton 0-1 Crystal Palace | Palace TV +

Match Action: Brighton 0-1 Crystal Palace

Strand Larsen presents Sarr with Premier League Man of the Match

Ismaïla Sarr Returns From AFCON

Pre-match Press Conference | RC Strasbourg (A)

Extended Highlights: Crystal Palace 3-1 AZ Alkmaar | Palace TV+

The Full 90: Crystal Palace v AZ Alkmaar | Palace TV+

Sarr wins October's Goal of the Month

Match Highlights: Crystal Palace 3-1 AZ Alkmaar

Goals Inside Box

Goals Outside Box

Right Foot

Left Foot

Shots

Shots on target

Hit woodwork

Penalties taken

Penalties scored

Touches

Touches in opposition box

Aerial duels

Aerial duels won

Interceptions

Blocks

Recoveries

Tackles won

Duels won

Clearances

Minutes

Attempted passes

Successful passes

Chances created

Crosses

Yellow cards

Red cards

Fouls won

Fouls Conceded

Season

Games

- **[Click here for the Manager's pre-match team news update, including news on Lerma and Mateta.](http://cpfc.co.uk/news/first-team/palace-team-news-update-ahead-tottenham-trip/)**

Off the back of a strong February, the Eagles began March with a narrow defeat to the Premier League's in-form side, Manchester United – but in a game which was turned on its head shortly after half-time following a contentious red card at Old Trafford. 

Glasner's side will be looking to bounce back immediately, nevertheless, at Tottenham – and at a stadium where, last season, they completed a first-ever league double over their hosts, with a comprehensive 2-0 win back in May, albeit Spurs having won at Selhurst Park in our latest meeting.

**Read on for Glasner’s key pre-match press conference talking points…**

Pre-match Press Conference: Tottenham Hotspur (A)

#### **On reflections from Sunday’s loss at Old Trafford…**

We took many positives from this game. But also on the other side, we could see what we can and have to improve. This is what we showed the players.

This is what we trained. I said it when we started in January in the front with new players to get each other known. Therefore, every game, every experience is helpful.

Now we are starting the crunch time in the UEFA Conference League. We are starting the crunch time in the Premier League. We are on top of it.

Everybody is in the best shape and we are in the best shape as a team. I think we are not there right now, but I feel we are going step by step into the right direction.

#### **On Tottenham’s winless run of 10 games…**

Of course, we know about their situation. The strange thing is that I think they were top eight in the Champions League.

I know they have had many injuries. The new manager [Igor Tudor], we don't know exactly how he will play: he played in a 3-5-2 against Arsenal and in a 4-4-2 against Fulham. I know him because he was Marseille's manager when we played them with Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League. They played in the 3-4-3 and very often mirrored their opposition.

I don't know exactly how their approach is. But yes, of course, they are under pressure. 

We want to show a good performance there. That's the thing that we can influence, we can affect, and that's the most important part: to defend very well, having a good structure and also being confident like we started at Old Trafford. 

I think we had a great start into the game [on Sunday], in possession, moving the ball quick, creating chances, playing a lot of the time in their half. And this is what we need at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as well.

#### **On Evann Guessand…**

He’s had a good start. He's always able to create something. On the other side, he still has to learn our structure, the way we are playing. 

Also, he didn't play so many minutes at [Aston] Villa. That's why I rested him at Old Trafford, because he had 90 minutes for many weeks against [Zrinjski] Mostar. 

He's a good player, he's a player who can score, who can assist – giving something special, doing things that nobody expects.

#### **On memories of winning away at Tottenham last season…**

Looks good. Sounds good. We'll stay in the same hotel! 

Of course, we'd take the same result as last year. It was a very good game from us. But different managers, different teams. Also, we have some other players, some new players, compared to the last game.

But we feel better now. We feel more consistent now, and this is what we want to show.

2 minute highlights: Tottenham Hotspur 0-2 Crystal Palace

#### **On balancing Premier League and European commitments...**

I just can talk about our situation. And I think what we can also see is, because Newcastle are a little bit similar – doing very well in the Champions League, struggling in the league… we are not struggling, we are where Palace has always been, and we play the first time European football...

But yes, if you're not used to it, then it's unfair to compare to teams like [Man] City, like Arsenal, teams always playing European football. Their players are used to this rhythm. They know how to deal with the situation.

I think I mentioned it, it was our 43rd game at Old Trafford and they [Manchester United] had 30. Usually it's the opposite – and we were competitive. This gives me a good feeling. 

And I heard an interview with Antonio Conte at Napoli, because they were struggling with some injuries as well. And he said it’s a little bit like a rat race: everybody wants to qualify for Europe, but it means more games. You need to get the money from European football, to get the attention from European football, but you need a bigger squad. You have to pay higher wages at the end. It costs more when qualifying, so that's a little bit irrational. But it is how it is. 

I think last year City were struggling with many injuries. November, December they had big problems. I remember I called Pep in summer. We were interested in a player of theirs and he said: ‘no, no way, we need a bigger squad, because we struggled massively last year’.

And I think this is what also you can learn when you play the first time European football: to have a team that is ready to play. Just talking about us, it's a far way to g,  but at the end of the season, we could have played 60 competitive games, and that's around 50 percent more than Palace have ever played. 

That’s massive and that affects everything. But we want this, to be honest, and that's a challenge. And that's why I really appreciate that here in the club, everybody was really judging the situation knowing the circumstances, knowing the amount of games, seeing the effort of everyone. 

We weren't really pleased with the situation in some weeks or months, but we had our explanations for it, so that's why we could really work – and we always work together in a very good way.

#### **On preparing to face Igor Tudor for a third time in his career…**

We're always focussing, because this is what we can affect, on what we can influence. 

The players had off yesterday, but today we had a good, intense training. Before we had a long video meeting about what we have done well against United and what we can do better.

Because we don't know if they play a back three, a back four, how we want to press them or not. We don't know. Usually, Igor Tudor pressed man-to-man, this is what they did most of the time in these two games. But also against Arsenal, they were sitting in a very deep block. 

We have to be prepared that they can change it within the game, and we need to have the right answers, and that's why we're always focussing on our game, let's say, at least for 90% [of the time].

### **Match Details**

**Tottenham Hotspur v Crystal Palace**

- Thursday, 5th March
- 20:00 GMT
- Premier League
- Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
- [Live audio commentary on Palace TV+.](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/supporters/palace-tv-plus/)

Oliver Glasner says Crystal Palace are "heading in the right direction" as they gear up for a London derby against Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday night (5th March, 20:00 GMT).

Glasner on Tottenham, Guessand & balancing domestic and continental football

Tottenham Hotspur v Crystal Palace (2026-03-05)

Crystal Palace

Premier League

Manchester United

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Tottenham Hotspur

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### Summary:

- Javier Alonso makes four changes to the side that beat West Ham, recalling Charlie Walker-Smith, Dean Benamar, Joel Drakes-Thomas and Benji Casey from the U21s.
- 2: Dean Benamar forces the turnover high up the pitch, but just overhits the resulting cross.
- 5: Reiss Elliot-Parris latches onto the ball in-behind and lifts it over the onrushing Benetton, fortunately Dylan Monk is there to clear off the line!
- 12: We're beginning to pour the pressure on as Spurs survive our set piece barrage.
- 20: Monk makes an excellent sliding block to deny Tynan Thompson's lashed effort.
- 25: Despite their territorial dominance, Spurs were yet to test Lucca Benetton.
- 35: We’re gradually wrestling back control and in turn seeing more of the ball.
- 37: Jacob Fasida's dipping delivery forces a good headed clearance, before Danaher races back to produce a crucial block.
- One minute added.
- HT: Tottenham 0-0 Palace
- 51: Benji Casey’s header forces a fine diving save from Thompson.
- 53: A pinball-like scramble ensues and substitute Raihaan Anderson almost bundles the ball over the line.
- 55: Charlie Walker-Smith’s towering header is the wrong side of the post.
- 60: Crucial last-ditch defending from Fasida nullifies Elliot-Parris' dangerous low cross across the face of goal.
- 70: George Feeney’s first-time whipped effort rattles Palace’s post.
- 75 - SO CLOSE: Benji Casey races in behind but Thompson is quick off his line to narrow the angle and deny him one-on-one.
- 80 - GOAL: Angiebeaud’s towering header gives us the lead!!!!
- Six minutes additional time is indicated
- 90 (+5): We survive a series of shots and crosses…
- FT: Tottenham 0-1 Palace
- WE ARE PL CUP FINALISTS

Palace entered the tie on the back of a hard-fought 3–2 victory over West Ham United in the U18 Premier League South – a timely response to a narrow 1–0 defeat against Leicester City, which had ended a five-match unbeaten run.

In the quarter-finals, a rotated side delivered a professional display away at Peterborough United, where Donte Martin’s quick-fire brace secured the young Eagles’ place in the last four.

Tottenham, meanwhile, arrived in strong form. A 2–1 win at Ipswich Town had extended their unbeaten run to eight matches and taken them top of the league, while a commanding 3–0 victory at Bristol City in the previous round sealed their own semi-final spot.

Javier Alonso made four changes to the side that beat West Ham, recalling Charlie Walker-Smith, Dean Benamar, Joel Drakes-Thomas and Benji Casey. All four have established themselves at Under-21 level in recent weeks, but returned to the Under-18s setup for this significant occasion.

It was a lively start to proceedings. Lucca Benetton was forced to deal with a dangerous inswinging delivery early on, while Benamar won possession high up the pitch soon after, only to overhit his cross towards the far post.

With several players recently operating across different age groups, there was a brief spell where cohesion needed to click back into place.

Palace survived an early scare inside five minutes when Reiss Elliot-Parris raced onto a ball in behind and lifted it over the advancing Benetton, but Dylan Monk recovered superbly to clear off the line. A succession of threatening set-pieces followed, testing the visitors’ defensive resolve in the opening exchanges.

However, as the quarter-hour mark approached, Palace began to grow in confidence and assert control. Spurs were forced to withstand a barrage of deliveries into the box from the likes of Jasper Judd and Benamar, with Dylan Thompson called into action amid the mounting pressure.

By the 20-minute mark, clear-cut chances were at a premium at both ends, the best again falling to Elliott-Parris. Tynan Thompson drifted inside and unleashed a fierce effort, but Monk reacted superbly, throwing himself into a well-timed sliding block.

Midway through the half, frustration was beginning to creep in for the young Eagles, with much of the play confined to their own half. Despite Spurs’ territorial dominance – and Elliott-Parris firing over the bar – Benetton had still not been seriously tested.

Jacob Fasida delivered a dipping delivery into the penalty area that demanded a brave, diving headed clearance from a Spurs defender, before Euan Danaher showed great recovery pace to race back and produce an excellent block at the other end.

After a single minute of added time, the sides went into the break goalless, with nothing to separate them.

Much like the first half, Palace were handed an early scare after the restart as Thompson flashed a low cross across the face of goal, somehow evading any white shirt in the six-yard box.

The pendulum soon swung in Palace’s favour, though, with a sustained spell of attacking pressure in the opening 10 minutes. Benamar surged down the left and delivered invitingly onto the head of Casey, whose effort across goal forced a fine, diving parry from Thompson.

Moments later, a pinball-like scramble unfolded inside the Spurs penalty area, with substitute Raihaan Anderson agonisingly close to bundling the ball over the line. Judd then whipped in a dangerous corner towards Walker-Smith, but the centre-back’s towering header drifted inches wide.

On the hour mark, Elliott-Parris threatened once more, but crucial last-ditch defending from Fasida snuffed out the danger at a vital moment.

In the 80th minute, Palace finally earned their just deserts for a dominant second-half display. Judd whipped in another trademark inswinging corner and it fell perfectly for the rising Angibeaud, who powered his header down into the turf and beyond Thompson into the net.

Six minutes were indicated, but it proved an anxious finale as Spurs hurled everything at the Palace backline. A flurry of shots and crosses were repelled with immense determination and resilience, and after closer to 10 minutes than six, the referee finally brought proceedings to a close.

The victory secures our place in the U18 Premier League Cup Final, where we will face Manchester United following their 3-1 win over West Ham. A draw will determine the venue, with the showpiece set to be staged at the finalists’ main stadium.

**Palace:** Benetton, Judd, Fasida, Walker-Smith, Monk (Anderson, 52'), Okoli, Benamar, Danaher, Casey, Drakes-Thomas (Oduro, 86'), Angibeaud.

**Subs not used:** Mason, Martin, Bernard.

**Tottenham:** Thompson, Thomas (Sandiford, 55'), Byrne, Tingey, Hardy, Hall (Muslika, 79'), Boast, Feeney, Elliot-Parris, Beggs, Thompson (Adewole, 55').

**Subs not used:** Doran, Moncur.

Crystal Palace Under-18s booked their place in the U18 Premier League Cup Final with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday afternoon at Hotspur Way, as David Angibeaud’s towering header proved the difference.

U18s Report & Highlights: Palace edge Spurs to reach PL Cup Final 

Tottenham Hotspur U18 v Crystal Palace U18 (2026-03-04)

**Lerma** won't be ready to start as the Eagles look for consecutive wins at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, after a 2-0 victory on the same ground last season. 

The Colombian has not featured since the midweek clash against Burnley last month. But Glasner confirmed he will be part of the matchday 20 who travel. 

His return will provide a big boost with **Maxence Lacroix** missing out through suspension following his red card in the defeat at Manchester United on Sunday.

“Jefferson Lerma is back in the squad but not ready to start," said Glasner. "He trained with us and is ok. It’s quite early, but maybe if we need him for 15-20 minutes at the end – Tottenham are very dangerous at set-plays, and Jeff is our best defender in set-plays, and hopefully we'll have the lead then...

“He’s available for 15-20 minutes. That means it is either **Chadi [Riad]** or **Nathaniel Clyne** will play [in defence]. They are the two options we have and one of them will start.”

Glasner admitted that Lacroix's absence will be felt, but is confident his defence will be capable of helping to get a result.

“He’s [Lacroix] a big miss," he added. "But we showed against Wolves we could win with a clean sheet. We need other ones to step up and that’s how we’ve prepared.

“The referee decided that way and we have to accept it.

“That game is over. We took many positives from this game. But we have seen what we have to improve. Every game, every experience, is helpful."

Glasner also gave a fresh update on **Jean-Philippe Mateta** and said the French forward is targeting a return following the game against Spurs.

“We’re planning for him [Mateta] to be partly integrated next Monday in the team's training for the Larnaca game [next Thursday]. It will be the same, not starting, but maybe for 15-20 minutes.

“He was out for a long time, but his knee looks better now. That’s why we have decided to now reintegrate him step by step. He wasn't on the pitch for five or six weeks now. We have to be careful, but the goal is that he is available for the Larnaca and Leeds games.

“**Eddie Nketiah** won’t be available before April, so we’re pushing hard to have him back in the team."

#### **Match Details**

**Tottenham Hotspur v Crystal Palace**

- **Thursday, 5th March**
- **20:00 GMT**
- **Premier League**
- **Tottenham Hotspur Stadium**

Oliver Glasner has no fresh injury concerns for Thursday night's Premier League visit to Tottenham (20:00 GMT) and confirmed that Jefferson Lerma is able to return to the squad.

First-team

First-team

Glasner on Tottenham, Guessand & balancing domestic and continental football

U18s Report & Highlights: Palace edge Spurs to reach PL Cup Final

Team news: Updates on Lerma and Mateta

Shop Palace Shirts

7Ismaïla
Sarr

First-team

First-team

Glasner on Tottenham, Guessand & balancing domestic and continental football

U18s Report & Highlights: Palace edge Spurs to reach PL Cup Final

Team news: Updates on Lerma and Mateta

Shop Palace Shirts

7IsmaïlaSarr

7Ismaïla
Sarr