How good was Adam Wharton against Nottingham Forest?

Crystal Palace needed an improved outing against their former manager, Oliver Glasner and they came up with a perfect response.

The 3-1 victory over Nottingham Forest was a much-needed win for Pierre Sage to lift Crystal Palace to 12th in the Premier League table. It was Palace’s just second win of the season, and Adam Wharton played a big part in the turnaround after a difficult start to the Premier League season.

Nottingham Forest struck early through Dan Ndoye after just three minutes, but Daichi Kamada scored a leveller in the 41st minute, finishing a neat move with his left foot.

Then, just before the break, Adam Wharton delivered the cross that Jefferson Lerma headed home to put Palace ahead. The goal had controversy of its own after replays showed a handball involved.

For more reaction on the Jefferson Lerma goal, read our report highlighting experts’ opinions.

Adam Wharton makes the difference in midfield

Wharton’s assist was a key moment in the match, but his influence was well beyond that cross to Lerma. The midfielder kept Crystal Palace moving forward, regularly finding teammates in the opposition half and helping the hosts take control after going behind.

He finished with a brilliant 8.1 Sofascore rating. Wharton completed 42 of his 52 passes, an accuracy of 81%, and his passing numbers in the opposition half were equally impressive, with 34 of his 40 passes. He also registered three key passes and completed three of his five crosses, including the one that resulted in Lerma’s goal.

Wharton’s 66 touches were the most among Palace midfielders, as he remained central to Palace controlling the midfield battle.

There was a lot of off-the-ball work to do as well for Wharton, who covered an impressive 11.46 kilometers during the game. He also contributed two tackles and one block as Palace saw out the game against a misfiring Nottingham side.

Yeremy Pino added Palace’s third in the 59th minute, giving the home side some breathing room after a much-improved showing following Ndoye’s early strike.

Wharton, though, was central to Palace’s response. His passing, movement and authority in the middle of the park helped turn a poor start into three valuable points for the Eagles.