Oliver Glasner has urged Romain Esse to ‘show improvement’ after Crystal Palace’s 4-2 penalty shoot-out victory over south London rivals Millwall in the EFL Cup third round.
The 20-year-old winger disappointed against his former club in only his second appearance of the season and was taken off at the interval, with Glasner seemingly unhappy with his display.
The Austrian tactician said he will have a conversation with Esse following the victory at Selhurst Park on Tuesday night, as he was ‘not pleased’ with the forward after handing him a rare start.
Esse joined Palace on a five-and-a-half-year deal from Millwall in January for a reported fee of £12m, potentially rising to £14.5m with add-ons.
The 20-year-old has since made just 11 appearances for the Eagles, including only one start in the Premier League, where he scored on his debut in the 2-1 defeat to Brentford in January.
Romain Esse Fails to Impress Glasner
Crystal Palace's Romain Esse in action with Nottingham Forest's James McAtee
Premier League - Crystal Palace v Nottingham Forest - Selhurst Park, London, Britain - August 24, 2025 Crystal Palace's Romain Esse in action with Nottingham Forest's James McAtee Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra
Glasner, speaking post-match, was far from pleased with Esse for his Millwall display, urging the 20-year-old to ‘show improvement’ after handing him only the second start in a Palace shirt on Tuesday:
Palace debutant Walter Benitez emerged as the hero at Selhurst Park after making two saves in the 4-2 penalty shoot-out win, which came after Millwall equalised in extra time to force penalties.
Palace had taken the lead in the 72nd minute when Chris Richards turned home a loose ball from close range following a corner routine, but the visitors responded in the first minute of injury time, with Jack Howland’s corner finding Ryan Leonard in the box.
While Palace converted all four of their spot-kicks, Benitez saved from Tristan Crama and Aidomo Emakhu, helping Palace extend their unbeaten run to 16 games in all competitions.
Glasner also handed a debut to teenage French defender Jaydee Canvot on Tuesday, following his move from Ligue 1 side Toulouse during the summer transfer window.
Palace, who sit ninth in the Premier League after four games, next face West Ham away in another London derby on Saturday.