Match Facts
8th August 2015 – Carrow Road
Attendance – 27,036
Referee – Simon Hooper
Goals – Zaha (39), Delaney (49), Redmond (69), Cabaye (90+3)
Bookings – Tettey
Star Eagle – Yohan Cabaye
Match Review
Goals from Wilfried Zaha, Damien Delaney and Yohan Cabaye gave Crystal Palace an opening day win at a buoyant Carrow Road.
But it wasn’t as simple for Palace as the scoreline suggested. Norwich had a goal disallowed from former Eagles player Cameron Jerome, after Nathan Redmond’s long range strike gave the Canaries hope in the second-half.
Given it’s a new season both sides fielded some debutants; Alex Neil handed a first start to Robbie Brady who arrived from Hull for £7m over the summer.
As for Palace Alan Pardew didn’t shuffle the pack too much; it was a very similar line-up which finished last season so impressively. But as Julian Speroni is injured, Alex McCarthy was handed his chance in goal, and in midfield our record signing Cabaye started.
The opening 20 minutes belonged to Norwich; confident from their promotion via the play-offs last season they set about trying to stifle the attacking threat Palace carry.
They should have been in front courtesy of another former Palace player – it was a long time ago but Lewis Grabban did indeed play for Palace; he missed a golden chance to put Norwich one up.
After Palace withstood the opening onslaught, Cabaye and co settled into the game and began to get Jason Puncheon on the ball; it was his cross that allowed Zaha to volley in six minutes before half-time.
On the balance of play, Pardew’s men were fortunate to go into half-time 1-0 up, but as ever with the Premier League you need to take your chances when they come about.
Palace continued where they left off just after half-time, a floated delivery from Frenchman Cabaye found Pape Souare. The Senegalese international headed across to Damien Delaney who swept the ball in to make it 2-0.
Alex Neil brought on Jerome and Redmond, and they certainly made an impact. Both have pace and power, but it was Redmond’s eagle eye which opened Norwich’s goal account for this season.
McCarthy had done no wrong in goal for Palace up to that point, but looking back at Redmond’s 25 yard strike he should have done better.
The goal was a catalyst for Norwich to go and get an equaliser. And they did get one, but it was controversially ruled out by Simon Hooper for dangerous play. Replays showed it was harsh on Jerome and Norwich.
But Palace capped off a tricky away day thanks to a slick pass by James McArthur who found Cabaye alone in the Canaries box; his finish was superb, sweeping the ball beyond John Ruddy to make it 3-1.
It is a great start for the Eagles; Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal is next up at Selhurst Park next weekend.
Player Ratings (courtesy of Who Scored)
Alex McCarthy (6.6) – The debutant played well in goal, early in the second-half he made a superb double save. But he should have done better with Redmond’s goal.
Pape Souare (7.8) – The former Lille left-back is becoming accustomed to the Premier League now, after a good pre-season, his performance showed he can cope with the rigours of top flight football.
Damien Delaney (7.2) – Reliable as ever, his partnership with Scott Dann continues to flourish – he also capped yesterday’s display off with a rare goal.
Scott Dann (7.5) – He was calm, composed, and collected yesterday. Dann is so integral to Palace; again he was superb at the heart of the defence.
Joel Ward (7.2) – He linked up well with Wilfried Zaha, his defensive capabilities are never in doubt, he is now adding that attacking threat to his game.
Wilfried Zaha (7.9) – He scored a well-taken goal in the first-half, he was lively and when given the chance caused Norwich’s full-back a few problems.
Yohan Cabaye (8.3) – It took him a little while to get into the game, but he showed his class with the goal, but also his set-piece deliveries. He will be pivotal to Palace’s chances this season.
James McArthur (8.0) – The Scottish international provides the energy in the middle of our midfield and yesterday he showed why he is so crucial. An all round terrific performance, and provided the assist for Cabaye’s goal.
Jason Puncheon (7.5) – Played on the left yesterday, he didn’t have much influence on the game. But he did provide the cross for Zaha’s goal. He will get better as season progresses.
Jordan Mutch (7.0) – A different role for Mutch behind Glenn Murray, but he had his moments. He has got good ball retention which will be useful for Pardew for the season.
Glenn Murray (6.3) – He lead the line by getting stuck in, was lucky not to get a yellow card for his challenge in the first half. But he didn’t have too many opportunities to score.
Match Statistics (courtesy of Who Scored)
Total Shots – 17-11
Shots on Target – 6-7
Possession – 57.1% – 42.9%
Dribbles – 3-11
Aerials won – 8-7
Tackles – 19-13
Corners – 1-4
Throw-ins – 23-19
Offsides – 4-2
Fouls – 14-20
