- Crystal Palace cruised to 3-0 win over Fiorentina
- Chris Richards thinks it should have been more
- Eagles star reckons there will be more goals in second leg
Crystal Palace secured a famous 3-0 win over Fiorentina but Chris Richards feels his side could have scored more. Oliver Glasner’s men took a giant step towards the semi-finals of the Europa Conference League with an emphatic victory.
Jean-Philippe Mateta opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Evann Guessand was brought down by Dodo. He received a ‘boom’ from supporters when he celebrated by kicking the corner flag.
The French striker should have made it two-nil seven minutes later, but directed his shot from close range right at David de Gea. Tyrick Mitchell pounced at the far post and found the back of the net.
Fiorentina did hit the bar in the second half, but the Eagles grabbed a third late on. Ismaila Sarr headed home his sixth Conference League goal of the season.
Chris Richards Thinks Palace Deserved Even More
Palace dominated proceedings at Selhurst Park and will take a three-nil lead to Florence next Thursday (April 16th). But it could have been more, given Glasner’s side had 13 attempts and four of them were on target.
Chris Richards spoke to TNT Sports after the game about the hosts’ attacking intent. He praised the attackers but felt an even higher scoreline was there for the taking:
“Those guys up top, they make our job easy. Whenever they get on the ball, they always create some sort of magic.”
He added:
“And we only scored three today, but I think it could have been a lot more, so kudos to them.”
Glasner pointed out after the game that the job still needs to be completed in Florence. Richards has no doubts that Palace will be on the scoresheet in the second leg:
“I know that in the next leg we’re going to get a few more.”
Richards was again impressive, putting in another superb display at the back that helped keep Fiorentina at bay. It was a perfect night for the South Londoners who now turn their attention to Newcastle United in the Premier League on Sunday (April 12th).
Glasner Set To Make Change Up Top
Mateta started last night’s game after Jorgen Strand Larsen was suspended. The French frontman made his first start since failing a medical ahead of a proposed move to AC Milan in January.
The 28-year-old was back on the scoresheet for the first time since New Year’s Day. But he won’t be leading the line against Newcastle on Sunday.
Glasner confirmed in his post-match press conference that he intends to rest Mateta and start Strand Larsen. It gives the Norweigan the chance to respond to his fellow forward and reclaim his starting berth for the game in Florence.
