The opening round of the 2023/24 Premier League campaign saw Palace travel up to Sheffield to try their luck at a first opening day win time since 2021, a 1-0 victory over Southampton.
A slightly uninspiring summer transfer window has led to a lack of belief from many supporters, exacerbated by the departure of long-term talisman Wilf Zaha and the injury to starlet Michael Olise. With 19 days left of the window, there is much to be desired.
The hosts have been through a nightmare summer themselves, with star man Iliman Ndiaye departing for boyhood club Marseille and midfield enforcer Sander Berge jumping ship to fellow promoted Burnley.
However, whilst business in South London has been light, Jefferson Lerma appears to be the long-awaited partner for the brilliant Cheick Doucoure.
The first half of the game was tight, but Palace clearly the better side. The Eagles dictated the play and an opening was almost struck through a Jordan Ayew header following a long-range hit from Andersen. The second official’s flag denied the Ghanaian.
The second half continued in the same vein as the first, domination from the visiting side who continued to press and create chances throughout the game. An incredible 24 shots with 8 on target eventually paid off, with Ayew using his trickery to beat the fullback before swinging a low cross through the box to Edouard who finished with a poaching confidence Palace fans have been desperate to see.
A well-earned opening goal in the 49th minute.
The palace pressure continued and chances from Eze and Edouard continued to flow until the Frenchman found the net once again. The offside flag would deny a second goal.
As the clock ticked on, it started to appear as though Sheffield United might grab an equaliser. However, Andersen and Guehi stood extremely firm and saw the game through to the 96th minute when Palace would eventually hear the blast of the referee’s full-time whistle.
In terms of performance, it was definitely a positive one. The press looked well orchestrated and each player worked well to recover the ball when possession had been turned over. My stand-out players were Lerma and Ayew. Lerma’s performance in the game was excellent, dictating the play from deep but also showing his eye for attacking flair, particularly with a gorgeous flick over an on-rushing defender. The latter has been the target of constant criticism from many fans, but he showed his quality today both in attack and working hard to help his teammates defensively.
Palace host Arsenal on Monday night, who ran out 2-1 victors in their season opener against Nottingham Forrest.