Crystal Palace are through to the last 16 of the Europa Conference League following a 2-0 (3-1 aggregate) win over Bosnian outfit Zrinjski Mostar. The tide might just be turning following a dismal period which saw Oliver Glasner’s men draw 1-1 in Bosnia last Thursday.
Maxence Lacroix, who returned from injury, opened the scoring with a superb header in the 36th minute. The Frenchman got on the end of Adam Wharton’s wicked free-kick to mark his return with a goal.
The Eagles’ victory was sealed by Evann Guessand, who struck in stoppage time for a second game in a row. A fine counter-attacking move ended with the Ivorian calmly slotting home.
Palace will face either Bundesliga outfit Mainz or Cypriot side AEK Larnaca in the last 16. It will be the first time South Londoners have participated in the knockout rounds of a European competition.
There were chants from fans for Glasner to be sacked during last week’s draw at Bijeli Brijeg Stadium. Tonight’s atmosphere was one of positivity, with supporters cheering on their team to a crucial win over the Bosnians.
Bask in Guessand’s glory
Most of Glasner’s men were excellent on the night, but fans online were full of praise for Guessand in particular. Not much was expected of the 24-year-old when he arrived on loan from Aston Villa in January.
Guessand struggled during his time at Villa, managing just two goals in 21 games across competitions. He looks right at home in this Palace side, and tonight was his best performance to date.
The Ivorian forward played out on the left wing and had three shots, completed three of five dribble attempts and won six of eight ground duels. He was a livewire and capped off his display with a fine finish to seal the win.
One fan waxed lyrical about the Palace loanee:
“Honourable mention for Guessand, finding his feet and showing glimpses of a real player with quick feet and a goal in him.”
Another supporter wants the former Nice man to be signed permanently:
“Sign Guessand now.”
One fan gave the highest of praise:
“Thank you Evann Guessand, you will play in UCL very soon, you will win big titles! I appreciate you… I’m now your number one fan.”
Another feels Guessand has made a massive impact just a month into his loan spell:
“Guessand has changed our attacker completely. We’ve wasted 6 months on Pino.”
One added:
“Guessand is class.”
Another supporter wrote:
“Canvot is the one, so is Evann Guessand while we’re on the topic.”
Palace have the option to buy Guessand for £28m, and that will likely be triggered if he continues to put in performances like tonight. He has now registered two goals and one assist in five games for the Eagles.
Guessand has to be a starter
Tonight was the biggest sign that Guessand warrants a starting role moving forward. His display and winner in the 1-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers impressed fans last weekend.
The Ivorian’s versatility is a real asset for Glasner as he can play across the frontline. With Yeremy Pino and Brennan Johnson failing to live up to expectations thus far, he seems ideal to continue in the front three.
Next up for Palace is a trip to Old Trafford to play the Premier League’s in-form team, Manchester United, on Sunday. Surely Guessand will continue in Glasner’s starting lineup against the Red Devils.
