Palace labour to Conference League win after Eze pulls out ahead of Arsenal move

Nick McGee

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Palace labour to Conference League win after Eze pulls out ahead of Arsenal move image

Eberechi Eze pulled out of Crystal Palace’s UEFA Conference League playoff-round clash with Fredrikstad ahead of his move to Arsenal, but Oliver Glasner’s side still managed to take a lead in the tie, though the 1-0 margin was narrower than they would have liked.

FA Cup winners Palace, demoted to the Conference League from the Europa League for a breach of UEFA’s rules on multi-club ownership, were favourites to run out comfortable winners in the first leg against their Norwegian opposition at Selhurst Park.

Despite dominating the game, Palace will only take a slim advantage to the return leg after Jean-Philippe Mateta — who had earlier struck the post — broke the deadlock in the 54th minute.

Mateta instinctively headed Will Hughes’ volley from the edge of the area to leave wrong footed Fredrikstad goalkeeper Martin Borsheim stranded.

Palace were unable to add to their lead, but the goal ensured an historic night was one of celebration, even if the supporters did not get the chance to say goodbye to Eze.

Eze misses his farewell

Eze is set to move to Arsenal in a deal reportedly worth £67.5million after the Gunners hijacked Tottenham’s bid to sign the England forward.

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He had been expected to be involved against Fredrikstad, but was said to have called manager Oliver Glasner to pull out of contention due to illness.

As it happened, the Eagles did not need Eze to give themselves a measure of command in the tie.

Mateta makes history

Mateta’s goal was Palace’s first in European football as they made their debut on the continental stage.

It should have been more for Glasner’s side, who had 25 shots on goal, with only five hitting the target.

They still have work to do if they are to book their place in the Conference League proper, but attentions will now turn to Sunday’s Premier League game with Nottingham Forest, who took Palace’s place in the Europa League.

Nick McGee

Nick McGee is a writer and sub-editor for The Sporting News. Nick has worked in sports media for more than a decade covering everything from football to F1 and beyond. He specialises particularly in US Sports as a passionate San Francisco 49ers fan, and has covered several Super Bowls.