Match Facts
- Date – 12th September 2015
- Venue – Selhurst Park
- Attendance – 25,167
- Referee – Mike Jones
- Goals – Iheanacho (90)
- Bookings – Dann, Hangeland, Mangala, Toure, Nasri
- Star Eagle – Wilfried Zaha (7.9)
Match Review
There was plenty of talk in the build up to this top of the table clash. Most of it was around the players that were missing for the visitors but Palace were to miss three starters.
Defenders Damien Delaney and Joel Ward have played key roles so far this season but they both missed out due to injury. Ward looks likely to miss at least three weeks with a knee injury while the other player out was Connor Wickham who we arguably missed most of all as the game went on.
The injuries earned starts for Brede Hangeland, Martin Kelly and Yannick Bolasie who all had an opportunity to impress in an effort to earn more starts.
Those changes did not effect the playing style for the hosts as the Eagles continued where they left off at Stamford Bridge before the international break. They were simply not overawed by their more esteemed opponents. The attractive attacking style of play more than flustered a City side arriving at Selhurst Park with a 100% record and yet to concede a goal.
The blue half of Manchester may have got their own way had Alex McCarthy not saved well at the feet of Nasri early on. However, Bakary Sako, Yannick Bolasie, Jason Puncheon and Yohan Cabaye all combined throughout to bully and hassle the City players to creat plenty of attacking chances.
After some of that great play by Bolasie, the ball fell to Cabaye who was tripped in the area by Fernandinho but nothing given. Straight afterwards, City broke out wide and Scott Dann scythed down Sergio Aguero and taking one for the team. It had bigger implications as the Argentinian striker could not continue after trying to run it off.
The growing frustration was clear to see for City. A reckless challenge by Yaya Toure on James McArthur on the touchline could have arguably seen red which Alan Pardew clearly thought as he classed with Manuel Pellegrini in the technical area.
The best chance for Palace came from a trademark cross from the ever impressive Pape Souare on the left and the header from Puncheon was just saved by Hart, scrambling back across goal. Palace continued to go at City and with Dwight Gayle having a real chance which went agonisingly wide.
The killer goal came in injury time from young substitute Iheanacho who had only been on the pitch for a minute. Some would argue that McCarthy should have done better but in truth, Nasri should have been closed down before he had the shot on goal. After McCarthy made the save, Palace defenders were slow to react but all that would be harsh criticism.
Conceding so late in the game after such a terrific showing from Palace would have silenced many a crowd. Not at Selhurst. The atmosphere was once again excellent and long may it continue whatever happens on the pitch.
Taking nine points from the first five games of the season featuring matches against three of the teams that finished in the top four last season would have been very welcome. While they are, it is hard not to feel a little disappointed to have lost this one.
Player Ratings (courtesy of Who Scored)
- Alex McCarthy (7.4) – Harsh to say he was at fault for the goal. Made some excellent stops throughout especially one very early on in the game.
- Pape Souare (7.2) – Simply gets better with every game. So exciting to see him run down the wing to send in one of what have become trademark crosses.
- Brede Hangeland (6.7) – Stood in for the injured Delaney and had an excellent game. Received a booking for a challenge in midfield.
- Scott Dann (6.3) – Captain for the day and not one of his better games but still did enough to keep a strong opposing strike force at bay. Earned himself a booking for a cynical foul that is more common in Sunday league football.
- Martin Kelly (6.1) – Did well for the most part in his first start of the season in place of the injured Ward.
- Wilfried Zaha (7.9) – Excellent showing from one of our own as he looked to take on players at every opportunity.
- Yohan Cabaye (7.0) – Solid in the middle once again and always in the thick of the action. Should have had a penalty when fouled in the area.
- James McArthur (7.1) – Fantastic display from the combative midfielder which is the level of performance we have become accustomed to. Visibly creating a real understanding with Cabaye.
- Jason Puncheon (6.8) – Did plenty of good but was also guilty of losing the ball a little too often when we have become used to seeing the ball stick to him. On the end of a cynical challenge which ended his game. Replaced by Lee Chung-yong (5.9) on 83 minutes who had little opportunity to create an impact.
- Bakary Sako (6.7) – Replaced by Dwight Gayle (6.0) on 68 minutes who looked lively in his time on the pitch. Had a real chance on goal but looked to use his wrong foot with an effort that rolled agonisingly past the post.
- Yannick Bolasie (6.5) – Started as the lone runner up front and always caused the City defence problems. Switched to his more familiar wide role when Gayle came. Forced off after receiving a knock and Replaced by Mile Jedinak (6.4) on 80 minutes who brought some added steel to the midfield.
Unused substitutes – Wayne Hennessey, Adrian Mariappa, Fraizer Campbell, Jordon Mutch
Match Statistics
The team at Who Scored chose Palace winger Wilfried Zaha as their man of the match with a rating of 7.9 ahead of City debutant Kevin De Bruyne (7.5). Most shots went to Yaya Toure (4) while the most tackles, rather bizarrely, was Zaha (5) and he was also the best dribbler (5).
- Team rating: 6.70 – 6.99
- Total shots: 10 – 21
- Shots on target: 2 – 7
- Possession: 44.7% – 55.3%
- Pass success: 77% – 81%
- Dribbles: 11 – 3
- Aerials won: 19 – 10
- Tackles: 17 – 15
- Corners: 4 – 4
- Dispossessed: 11 – 14
