Crystal Palace secured their second win of the Conference League league phase as they took down **AZ Alkmaar**at Selhurst Park. The Eagles were previously beaten by AEK Larnaca last time out in the Conference League in game week two after their win against Dynamo Kyiv in Poland.
Palace now sit 9th in the table only behind Fiorentina on goal difference after their first home win in Europe.
This result also means that is three games in a row that Palace have won in all competitions after last weekend’s Premier League win against Brentford and **EFL Cup**win against Liverpool.
It looked like Palace would be on the backfoot at the start of the game with the Kaaskopopen having a quick start causing early problems. But the Eagles quickly grew into the game.
Jean-Philippe Mateta would miss a penalty on the 17th minute before Maxence Lacroix would find the net five minutes later.
Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro (not pictured) saves a penalty from Jean-Philippe Mateta. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Ismaila Sarr would score in added time to give Palace a 2-0 lead going into the break.
Sven Mijnans would score ten minutes into the second half as the visitors would try and find a way back, but Sarr would make the score 3-1 three minutes later.
Dean Henderson – 6
It was a pretty routine performance from the England international. The former Man United shot stopper made a big double save in added time at the end of the first half to keep Alkmaar at bay.
No goalkeeper would have been able to an awful lot to stop the goal due to a deflection.
Dean Henderson of Crystal Palace. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Daniel Munoz – 6
Not his greatest of days with Ibrahim Sadiq causing problems down his side as no Alkmaar player created more chances than the Ghanaian’s two. Mijnans second half goal also took a deflection off the Colombian.
Still put in a shift winning a couple of tackles and playing several key passes into the final third.
Chris Richards – 8
A very solid performance at the back as he won more duels than any other player with 11 and also had more clearances, interceptions and tackles won than any other player.
Maxence Lacroix – 8
A monstrous performance from the 25-year-old. Used great technique to strike the ball excellently into the bottom corner for his first half goal.
Assisted Sarr’s first goal with a headed lay on. Had another chance to score but his header went just over the bar. At the back swept up very well with five recoveries and six clearances.
Maxence Lacroix of Crystal Palace celebrates. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Marc Guehi – 7.5
A commanding performance as he led the backline well. The captain started a few attacks with some of his long passing and ball carrying into midfield. Grabbed an assist for the opening goal of the game and made a handful of clearances at the back.
Tyrick Mitchell - 7
Another good performance as he was strong going into his duels and solid at the back like he always is and was rarely beaten by Weslley Pinto who had a quiet day.
Will Hughes - 7
Got stuck in as he made a couple of successful tackles and pressed well when he was without the ball. Almost scored as he struck the woodwork with an attempt.
Will Hughes of Crystal Palace. (Photo by Steve Bardens - AMA/Getty Images)
Jefferson Lerma – 5.5
Was hit and miss in the middle of the park. On several occasions he could not pick out a pass, but his long throws were once again useful in the attacking third.
Ismaila Sarr – 9
His runs in behind were deadly once again as they caused problems for the defence. Got his first Conference League goals with a strike from close range in the first 45 and a well taken finish in the second. Could have had a hattrick but that chance could only find the post.
Ismaila Sarr of Crystal Palace celebrates. (Photo by Marcel Bonte/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Yeremy Pino – 6
Still finding his feet. Often found lots of good pockets of space but his end product will get better with time.
Jean-Philippe Mateta – 6
Played a pass to Sarr to grab an assist for the third goal of the game.
Had a chance to make the score 1-0 from the spot but his penalty was poor and saved by Rome Owusu-Oduro who guessed the right way.
Had a few other shots on goal and chances to score with the pick of the bunch being in the second half when he would have a clear run through on goal and drag his shot wide.
Daichi Kamada – 7
Bright from the bench. Has established himself in the pivot normally partnering Adam Wharton but was brought on in a more advanced role replacing Sarr.
Almost added a fourth goal but was flagged for offside.
Crystal Palace's Daichi Kamada scores but the goal was disallowed for offside. (Photo by Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images)
Adam Wharton – 6
Working his way back to full fitness after a couple of games on the sidelines. Moved the ball quickly as he always does. Had one shot on goal which was a tame effort.
Justin Devenny – 5.5
Gave Alkmaar players little time on the ball with his energy and press but besides was dispossessed a couple of times in midfield and more often than not his passes were inaccurate and failed to find their man.
Nathaniel Clyne – N/A
Was brought on for the final five minutes of normal time and additional time and did not have the time to make a major impact on play.
Christantus Uche – N/A
Like Clyne, the loanee was brought on for the closing stages of normal time as well as added time and could not make a major difference on the 3-1 win with his minimal time on the pitch.