Brennan Johnson has admitted that Crystal Palace were frustrated by AEK Larnaca in the two sides’ 0-0 draw at Selhurst Park. Oliver Glasner’s men failed to break down the Cypriot outfit’s low block and wasted several opportunities.
Palace came into the game full of confidence following a 3-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur last time out. They knew taking a lead to AEK Arena next week was important, but a dogged defensive display from the visitors prevented them from doing so.
Johnson played as a makeshift right wing-back in the absence of Daniel Munoz. He sent a few decent crosses into the box but the Eagles just couldn’t find the back of the net.
Johnson echoes Palace fans frustrations
It means the tie is still all to play for ahead of the second leg next Thursday (March 19th) and Larnaca might fancy their chances. They will almost certainly put up more of an attacking threat than tonight, having managed just one shot all game.
Johnson was dejected following the game despite his side not being beaten, as they were by the Cypriots during the competition’s league phase. The Welshman told TNT Sports:
“The feeling is definitely disappointment. It wasn’t a game of loads of chances, but we thought we had a couple where we were unlucky not to score. Overall disappointment, it’s tough to look back at the game straight after and see kind of what the problem was with creating, but at the end of the day it’s 0-0, and we can’t have our heads held too low because next week we’ve got a big game and one that we’ll be ready for.”
Palace managed 12 shots, with five of those on target, but a goal just wouldn’t come for the hosts. Serbian goalkeeper Zlatan Alomerović was impressive on the night and made a big save from Tyrick Mitchell just before half-time.
This was a game that the South Londoners should have won, though, and they will be hoping they don’t live to regret not making the most of their chances. If Glasner’s men are to advance to the quarter-finals, they will have to do so in Cyprus.
Johnson on right wing-back role
Munoz is expected to also miss the second leg, which is a blow for Glasner. His energy and passion were a big miss tonight, and Johnson tried but didn’t look fully comfortable in the right wing-back role.
The former Tottenham man touched on his display in the position:
“It’s a bit different, coming to Palace, with the system, all of the positions are different for me to be honest. Enjoyed it, happy to be on the pitch, trying to help the team… nothing crazy, the manager was really good, helped me through the game tonight.”
Johnson has endured a tough start at Palace since arriving from Spurs in January for £35m. This was his 14th appearance, and he’s still without a goal, although he has two assists.
