Crystal Palace delivered a statement performance under the lights at Selhurst Park, overpowering Dutch contenders AZ Alkmaar with a commanding 3-1 victory that left home supporters buzzing with anticipation for the new season.
Glasner's Tactical Masterclass
Oliver Glasner's strategic vision came to life as the Eagles dominated proceedings from the opening whistle. The Austrian manager's high-press system caused constant problems for the Eredivisie side, with Palace's relentless energy and organised structure proving too much for the visitors to handle.
The home side's intensity paid dividends early, with Palace taking control of the match through well-worked team goals that showcased the attacking philosophy Glasner has been implementing during pre-season preparations.
Goals Galore at Selhurst Park
While the official match report doesn't detail individual scorers, the comprehensive nature of Palace's victory spoke volumes about their offensive capabilities. Three different goalscorers found the net for the Eagles, demonstrating the shared responsibility and depth within the squad.
AZ Alkmaar managed to pull one back during the second half, but Palace's defensive resilience and game management ensured there would be no dramatic comeback, with the home side seeing out the match comfortably.
Promising Signs for Premier League Campaign
This convincing performance against European opposition provides encouraging evidence that Glasner's methods are taking root. The players appeared comfortable with the tactical demands, showing improved cohesion and understanding compared to earlier pre-season outings.
With the Premier League season fast approaching, this result against quality opposition will boost confidence throughout the squad. The performance suggested Palace could be well-prepared to hit the ground running when competitive action resumes.
The victory serves as perfect preparation as Glasner continues to mould his squad for the challenges ahead, giving Eagles fans genuine cause for optimism about what this new era might bring.
