admin“Did Crystal Palace deserve 4-1 penalty win?”- Furious Millwall Boss Alex Neil deliver honest verdict amid Palace penalty win
Glasner Unhappy with Romain Esse’s Display as Palace Edge Millwall in Penalty Thriller
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner expressed his disappointment with Romain Esse’s performance during Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup clash against Millwall.
Despite progressing to the fourth round via a 4-2 penalty shootout win, Glasner was not entirely satisfied with his side’s display — particularly from the young winger.
Palace took the lead in the 72nd minute through a close-range finish from Chris Richards, only for Millwall to equalise in stoppage time via Ryan Leonard’s header in the 91st minute.
With no extra-time played at this stage of the competition, the match went straight to penalties, where Palace converted all four of their spot-kicks and goalkeeper Walter Benitez made two crucial saves.
Esse Struggles Against Former Club
The fixture was a chance for 20-year-old Romain Esse to impress against his former club, but the winger struggled to make an impact. He was substituted at half-time, and Glasner made no attempt to hide his dissatisfaction post-match.
“I don’t want to single anyone out, but of course, if you sub somebody at half-time, you’re not pleased with the performance,” Glasner said. “I’ll speak to him personally, and then it’s up to him to show improvement. That’s it.”
Given Esse’s history with Millwall and the significance of the occasion, nerves may have played a part. However, with limited opportunities in a competitive Palace squad, the attacker will need to deliver more consistent performances to earn the manager’s trust.
Alex Neil Praises Palace’s Strength
Millwall boss Alex Neil also weighed in on the match, praising Palace’s quality while commending his own side’s effort and resilience. Speaking to Southwark News, he said:
“You could see how strong Palace’s team was. They made a few changes, but not as many as us. I was really pleased with how we pressed the ball at times and turned it over. We also played through them and created some good chances.”
Neil added: “By the end, we were dead on our feet, but like on Saturday, we kept going. We didn’t give in.
I thought we deserved that equaliser and deserved to take it to penalties. After that, you’re just hoping it’s your night, that the keeper can make a save or two and the lads can score their penalties.”
What’s Next for Palace?
Crystal Palace will now turn their attention back to the Premier League, where they sit ninth after four games. Up next is a London derby against West Ham on Saturday.
Meanwhile, midfielder Adam Wharton is reportedly attracting interest from Real Madrid, with reports suggesting the player has made his transfer preference clear.
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