Glasner's Unhappy Return: Palace Downs Forest 3-1 at Selhurst Park
Glasner's Unhappy Return: Palace Downs Forest 3-1 at Selhurst Park
Former Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner received a warm reception at Selhurst Park, but his Nottingham Forest side ultimately fell 3-1 to a determined Eagles. Relive the action!
Oliver Glasner’s anticipated return to Selhurst Park proved to be a challenging one as his Nottingham Forest side succumbed to a 3-1 defeat against his former club, Crystal Palace. Despite a warm welcome from the home crowd for the ex-Eagles boss, the afternoon ended in disappointment for Forest, who saw their early lead overturned.
Nottingham Forest started strong, with Dan Ndoye opening the scoring in just the third minute, capitalising on a defensive error.
The visitors largely dominated the first half, creating numerous chances that, frustratingly for them, went unconverted.
Jorgen Strand Larsen, Quinten Timber, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Liam Delap all came close, but Crystal Palace goalkeeper Walter Benitez, filling in for the injured Dean Henderson, made several crucial saves and Forest's finishing lacked precision.
The tide began to turn just before halftime. Crystal Palace found their equaliser in the 41st minute through Daichi Kamada, who netted his first Premier League goal after some intricate link-up play. The hosts then seized the lead in first-half stoppage time when Jefferson Lerma bundled the ball in from a corner amidst a goalmouth scramble.
In the second half, Palace extended their advantage, with Yeremy Pino adding a third goal just before the hour mark in the 59th minute. This goal, confirmed by VAR, provided a comfortable cushion for the Eagles. Forest continued to press, but Benitez remained resolute, denying Chris Wood late on to quash any hopes of a comeback.
The wasteful chances from Forest throughout the match ultimately proved costly.
The victory marks a successful first home Premier League win for Palace's current boss, Pierre Sage. Despite the result, Glasner and returning right-back Daniel Munoz were greeted warmly by the Selhurst Park faithful, a testament to Glasner's previous tenure which saw him lead Palace to multiple trophies.
