Crystal Palace picked up a pivotal 1-0 win over Ipswich Town on Tuesday night to move to 16th in the Premier League table.
Oliver Glasner coached his side to securing just a second league win of the season, coming out on top in a rather poor game against Ipswich.
Crystal Palace desperately needed the three points and this could be a real watershed moment for the Eagles in turning this season around.
The points were won by a brilliant Jean-Philippe Mateta goal as the No.14 made it now two wins he has single-handedly won the Eagles this season – after also scoring the sole goal against Spurs.
Sitting 16th, the Eagles’ season looks like it is getting back on track. Following the game, Marc Guehi’s armband situation stole a lot of headlines, but Glasner also spoke out about Cheick Doucoure.
Why Oliver Glasner substituted Cheick Doucoure
With Mateta scoring against Arijanet Muric, the win was secured by the Eagles. But one player’s night only lasted until half-time.
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After a scrappy first half, Doucoure headed into half-time with a yellow card and a growing accumulation of fouls.
Liam Delap of Ipswich Town is challenged by Jean-Philippe Mateta and Cheick Doucoure of Crystal Palace during the Premier League match between Ipsw...
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Due to this, as Glasner has now explained to South London press, the Malian midfielder simply had to be replaced.
“It was because of the yellow card,” the Palace manager explained.
“He had one more foul [left before a second yellow]. When we played at Chelsea and Will Hughes had the same situation, we were lucky that he didn’t get the red card.
“We decided at half-time to make this sub. We didn’t lose a substitution window by doing it at half-time.”
By half-time, the 24-year-old had already competed in six duels – along with being involved in a handful of fouls.
Stat #
Passing 17/18
Tackles 0/1
Defensive actions 4
Recoveries 1
Duels won 3
Fouls 2
Crystal Palace can expect the best version of Palace No.28 soon
After the game, Doucoure was also praised by Glasner for his form since returning from injury.
“Usually, you say that for as long as you’re out, [that’s how long] it takes for you to be in your best shape again”, Glasner explained.
“Cheick is working very hard for this. We have options. Cheick is a great player and a great guy.
“It will happen. I don’t know when, but you will see the best Cheick Doucoure.”
The best Doucoure is an exciting prospect considering how the Eagles’ formerly best midfielder was once the target of Liverpool.
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