Crystal Palace’s third game of the 2017/18 league season set them a challenge to secure their first points of the season: against a Swansea side who were also yet to secure their first league win of this season.
The hosts suffered their third defeat of the season in a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Paul Clement’s men as they found themselves unable to put the ball in the back of the net despite mounting pressure and creating multiple chances in the second half.
The Eagles were put under considerable pressure by young Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham; on loan to Swansea for the season, who was further being assisted by Andre Ayew and Tom Carroll upfront in countless attacks although for large parts of the first half. The first chance for Palace fell to Benteke who with better communication from Macarthur could have converted a headed opportunity to put the hosts in front.
Finally minutes before the half time break Abraham struck for the visitors, registering his first Premier League goal and a deserved one at that, after looking lively all half troubling the Palace defence.
Abraham was prolific in the Championship for Bristol City last season scoring 23 goals last season and definitely knows how to find his way to the back of the net. Abraham could prove to be a vital asset to this Swansea side this season, whilst the contribution of Andre Ayew put the nail in the coffin for Palace early in the second half with a lovely left foot shot from outside the box.
Despite the loss of Sigurdsson to Everton recently, the Swansea side display at Selhurst Park didn’t lack confidence or creativity and tirelessly worked to record their first win of the season.
Crystal Palace were disappointing and had opportunities to score during the game but lacked any clinical finishing. Yohan Cabaye made his first appearance of the season and looked lively when he came on, a positive for Palace and if he can prove his fitness could start in the coming fixtures to contribute to Frank De Boer’s inefficient front-line.
Townsend looked very good for Palace; probably their most threatening asset in attack, but still couldn’t assist the hosts in scoring their first Premier League goal of the season. Early pressure is evident for manager Frank de Boer as his first three Premier League games as the new manager come without victory or even a goal – something he must soon rectify if they are to survive in the top tier of English football..
Man of the Match: Tammy Abraham.
The young 19 year old was a constant threat and his pressure paid off in the 44th minute to give Swansea a vital 1-0 lead.
Written by Cam Harrison.
