What did we learn from the 3-1 win over Reading? Here's Robert Sutherland with his thoughts.
(Image taken from PalaceTV interview)
1. Guehi is a Rolls Royce Defender
There's something very reassuring about seeing a young defender look as calm and composed as Marc Guehi does -- you realise that the money invested in his signing was justified. The centre-back, signed for £18m from Chelsea this summer, made a number of key interventions in today's game, most notably a recovering tackle which prevented Reading from scoring an equaliser.
However, it is his ability to find a pass, and his comfort with the ball at his feet, that really shone through. Guehi might be young but he looks like a seasoned professional. While Premier League football can't compare to pre-season friendlies, the signs are good. Both he and Joachim Andersen will make Palace's defence more capable both defensively and in moving the ball upfield, too.
2. Mateta Needs Matches, Confidence and a Little More Composure
English football is different from the continental game, and Jean-Philipe Mateta is having to learn that quickly. After scoring against Brighton & Hove Alibon, the French striker found opportunities limited and would have likely felt frustrated at that lack of game-time. With Christian Benteke only just returning from his Euro 2020 exploits, the opportunity to impress upon the new manager has presented itself -- and Mateta needs to take it.
We can see some of the things that he does well -- he's physical, he's quick, he has awareness of his teammates and he has that competitiveness needed. The problem is, the opportunities he's created for himself have subsequently been snatched at.
The loan signing from Mainz created an excellent opportunity for himself late in the first half with his strong leap which won him the ball -- but his composure as he bore down on goal went amiss and a poor touch allowed the Reading goalkeeper Rafael to collect the ball at his feet. Mateta later won and scored the penalty which put Palace 1-0 up -- let's hope that goal gives him the boost he needs to find the net more easily from now on.
Good test 💪🏿 pic.twitter.com/DyqWniA8Ru
— Jean-Philippe Mateta (@Matetajphilippe) July 31, 2021
3. Pre-season is About Opportunities for All
Patrick Vieira has made it clear that the progression of youngsters into first-team duties is a priority, and his inclusion of Rob Street and Nya Kirby from kick-off, with Scott Banks and Jesurun Rak-Sakyi making appearances from the subs bench, is indicative of the fact he wants to see more of he young players available to him.
While Cheikh Kouyate's sending off brought an early end to Kirby's performance, he shouldn't be disappointed with his contribution. Street showed physicality and willing throughout, while little flashes of brilliance from Rak-Sakyi will have pleased the manager too. Banks rounded the game off with a beautiful free-kick curved over the wall and into the top corner of the net, and the young Scotsman has impressed his new manager, who said last week that he and Rak-Sakyi would likely be involved in first-team duties this season.
A new manager doesn't have to pick a new squad. But Palace clearly want to make more of the young players they have, and Vieira is likely to be the kind of manager who will allow that to happen. It can only be a good thing for the players and for the club.
Scott Banks free kick 😍😍😍 #CPFC pic.twitter.com/voK27RF5pX
— Chris 🦅🏴🇮🇪 (@cjbearcpfc) July 31, 2021
4. This isn't a Full-Strength Squad, but it Might Have to Do
Point 3 really leads into point 4. Palace appear to be looking to make another signing in attack, and potentially in midfield -- and that will then be it. With the injuries currently blighting the squad -- Jeffrey Schlupp, Wilfried Zaha and Luka Milivojevic picked up knocks this week, in addition to the more long-term absences of Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise -- there is definitely reason to be concerned about the club's fortunes this season.
However, the squad currently available to the manager is still capable, and it's likely we'll see the three short-term omissions return in due course. Today's game wasn't with a full-strength squad but the foundations are there for Palace to build upon. It's likely that Vieira's selection fo younger players is aimed at bringing them up to speed should they need to be called upon. Opportunities come to those who want them, and while a few players are missing, the young players can stake their claim for inclusion.
5. McArthur Suits the Mid-Press Game
James McArthur has been missing from this Palace side for some time; his terrier-like qualities make him a formidable opponent, while his knack for finding a simple pass, or for finding his way out of tight situations, is always worthy of credit. Many have written the Scottish midfielder off over the years, including managers, but McArthur's ability makes him a perfect experienced foil for this Palace side's midfield.
To many, the midfielder has been deemed as a defensive player -- lumped into that category to make a point about Roy Hodgson's love of defensive midfielders -- but McArthur isn't that. He's always been a transition midfielder for Palace. A box-to-box player who contributes defensively but is quite happy to push up with the ball and ask questions of his opponents. With Palace doing more defensive work higher up the pitch, putting opponents under pressure in the centre of the park, McArthur is the ideal candidate for that role.