Five things we loved about Palace’s memorable win over Man Utd

First-team

1 Oct 2023

Crystal Palace produced a team performance to remember to defeat Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford on Saturday – and here’s five things we loved about the game…

Roy of the Record-breakers

There was audible surprise in Roy Hodgson’s voice when the manager was told in his pre-match press conference that he had the chance to make history at Old Trafford on Saturday – but it quickly settled into acknowledgement that the task in hand was a tall one.

So there will have been an extra spring in the manager’s step – as he celebrated gleefully with his players at full-time – in the knowledge that he had become the first-ever visiting Premier League manager to avoid defeat on five consecutive trips to England’s largest club stadium (three wins, two draws – one with Watford).

What’s more, with the victory, Hodgson became only the second Premier League manager – after Pep Guardola – to win three games in a row at Old Trafford with a single club: Palace.

Having gone some 20 years without a win at the home of Manchester United, the Eagles have now won three of their last five games there in the Premier League. And if that’s not a statistic to love…

The first first-half goal

It’s well-known that to secure victory at Old Trafford, your entire team has to play well from minute one to minute 90 – and Palace have certainly had the second-half of that nailed down so far this season.

What was missing from our first-half performances, however, was a goal. Prior to yesterday, the record books showed eight competitive matches in 2023/24, 10 second-half goals scored, but none before the interval.

Step forward man of the moment Joachim Andersen, whose sumptuous half-volley from Ebere Eze’s free-kick put the Eagles in hitherto-untrodden territory: leading after 25 minutes.

Thankfully, the quality of that performance continued right the way through to the final whistle.

A measure of revenge

Whilst both Hodgson and his players admitted in the pre-match build-up that they felt the occasion – and indeed starting XIs – would completely differ to that of Tuesday night in the League Cup, the three points are likely to have tasted all the sweeter for those events.

As Hodgson said in his post-match press conference: “All credit to the players as far as I’m concerned… perhaps because Tuesday was such a disappointment for us.

"We came here hoping we’d progress in the Carabao Cup. We were dumped out of it really, so even more credit to the players to do what they did today.”

Defensive dominance

While Palace did create several presentable opportunities on the counter-attack, perhaps the most pleasing aspect of the performance for supporters was just how dominant defensively the team looked.

Despite waves and waves of pressure in the second-half, and increasingly direct tactics from the hosts, the Eagles stood firm and restricted United’s real ‘big chance’ count to a minimal figure.

It’s rare you see one or two players record more than a tackle or two in a game, but no fewer than eight players in white shirts won at least two, with Cheick Doucouré leading the way on five, Joel Ward and Jordan Ayew on four, and Tyrick Mitchell on three.

Indeed, no starting outfield player failed to complete a tackle and , what’s more, six outfield players completed at least two clearances (Andersen leading the way on 10) and five at least two interceptions (Doucouré again topping the count with five).

Simply put: everybody not only mucked in, but excelled. A true team display.

An away day to remember

Palace fans could have been forgiven for travelling to Manchester for the second time in five days with a degree less wind in their sails, overcoming nationwide train strikes and the disappointment of earlier in the week as they arrived at Old Trafford.

Not a bit of it.

Palace’s away end was not only packed out but in vociferous form throughout the 90 minutes, celebrating every tackle, clearance and interception – as well as every stray pass from a player in a red shirt.

The full songbook received renditions, with goalkeeper Sam Johnstone admitting afterwards: “They’re the best fans that I’ve played in front of.”

“Their support on Tuesday, and then again today, with the train strikes, was unbelievable.

“It does go a long way. For the lads to hear them over 70,000 United fans… we could hear them supporting us, and I’m glad we gave them the result they travelled for. I’m glad they got it.”

However you managed to make it there – and home again – thank you.

First-team

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