Powell: What is most pleasing is taking this momentum into the play-offs
Darren Powell cut a delighted figure as Crystal Palace Under-21s rounded off their Premier League 2 league phase and headed into the play-offs with a convincing 2–0 win over Arsenal on Monday evening at the VBS Community Stadium.
The young Eagles had already secured qualification for the PL2 play-offs prior to kick-off following results elsewhere, but were still targeting a strong finish to improve their seeding heading into the knockout stages.
Palace also went into the fixture looking to respond to the 2–0 defeat to Nottingham Forest last time out, which ended a three-match unbeaten run, and for Powell, the display delivered exactly the reaction he had called for.
“Yes, it was a good performance,” he said. “The objective was to win the game and see where we end up at the end of the night.”
He added: “We wanted to get after them. We know Arsenal like to play through the thirds, but our intent was clear – energy and intensity to win the ball back. The boys did that numerous times. The application and work rate were really pleasing.”
The head coach placed particular emphasis on the response in mentality following the setback at Forest.
“Of course you want a reaction, and that’s what the lads gave,” he said. “It wasn’t really us at Forest, but these are the type of games the boys enjoy.
“It’s a London derby, and here at Sutton we wanted to set the tone – win first and second balls, compete first and foremost. We didn’t really do that at Forest, but tonight the energy and intensity was there from start to finish.”
With standout results such as a 5–1 win away at then-unbeaten Liverpool highlighting their potential, Powell again stressed the importance of consistency across the campaign.
“Absolutely. Consistency is the key word for me,” he said. “We haven’t been consistent enough over the season – it’s been a bit up and down. There have also been changes in personnel, which doesn’t help rhythm, but what’s most pleasing is the reaction tonight and taking momentum into the play-offs.”
Palace currently sit 10th on 31 points in PL2, with victory improving their seeding prospects ahead of a knockout tie against either Liverpool or Tottenham Hotspur.
“Yes, big games – high-stakes games, which is what you want,” Powell said. “Knockout football is always exciting. We’ve got one shot at it, and we’ll give everything. We got to the semi-finals last year, so we’ve spoken about going one better this time.”
Our knockout opponents will be confirmed on 17th April, with a short break before the play-offs begin. On the upcoming preparation period, Powell added: “We’ll keep working every day – individually and collectively – to improve and prepare as best we can for whoever we face.”