A huge strike for Zirkzee
Manchester United enjoyed an impressive second-half revival to secure a crucial win at Selhurst Park, moving from twelfth to sixth in the Premier League. Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount both found the net for the first time this season and turned the game around after Jean-Philippe Mateta had given Crystal Palace the lead from the spot. Ruben Amorim’s side showed real resilience after the break, displaying far more incisiveness and authority than in their subdued first-half display.
Amorim remained confident in Zirkzee despite his poor performance against Everton, and the forward responded with exactly the kind of performance he so desperately needed. His equalizer, aimed sharply over the goalkeeper from a seemingly impossible position, not only restored parity, but also marked a personal breakthrough after almost a year without a goal.
New penalty rule went against United
Palace’s opener came via a retaken penalty, with VAR intervening to show that Mateta had struck the ball with both feet on his first attempt. Under last season’s laws the goal would have been completely wiped out, but the updated rules allowed him to take the kick again. Senne Lammens was powerless to change the outcome, even though he had played no role in the initial foul.
This situation once again highlighted how the current regulations tend to tilt towards the attackers rather than the goalkeepers. Amorim’s side were forced to accept a sense of injustice, with the rematch presenting Palace with an opportunity they had not actually earned through open play. Moments like these continue to fuel the debate over whether sports lawmakers have struck the right balance in such scenarios.
Martínez back in action
The late introduction of Lisandro Martinez marked his first appearance since suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in February, providing a significant boost to United’s defensive ranks. Amorim also made adjustments earlier in the half, including replacing Leny Yoro with Noussair Mazraoui, as he looked for more stability at the back.
On the other side of the field, Shea Lacey’s wait for a senior debut continued. Despite calls for him to feature after the Everton match, Amorim opted to keep the youngster back on the bench. With a packed fixture list looming, Lacey’s breakthrough appears to be getting closer, but for now United appear to be planning to help him gradually.
Palace continues to stutter more often
Crystal Palace’s difficulties in meeting European commitments were once again exposed, with this defeat marking their third defeat in four league games played immediately after the Conference League matches. Their draw against Brighton remains the only point collected in such circumstances, and the physical and mental toll on the side is becoming clear.
The absence of Ismaila Sarr, who is also leaving for the Africa Cup of Nations, only increases the concerns. Eddie Nketiah is currently the only attacking option that Oliver Glasner is fully relying on from the bench, leaving Palace without alternative ideas if their initial game plan fails. Despite making changes in an attempt to revive his team, Glasner saw his players deteriorate seriously after half-time, mirroring their collapse in Strasbourg.
Palace played encouraging football in the first half, but once United picked up the pace the hosts struggled to respond. Their lack of depth and growing fatigue ultimately allowed United to take control of the match and stage a deserved comeback.
#Crystal #Palace #Manchester #United #learned #Stretty #Rant