Crystal Palace boss delivers verdict on Eddie Nketiah debut and provides Cheick Doucoure injury update after Leicester draw
Eddie Nketiah made his Crystal Palace debut on Saturday in the 2-2 draw with Leicester City.
The 25-year-old South Londoner started alongside Eberechi Eze in the attacking midfield roles, with Jean-Philippe Mateta leading the line.
Nketiah, who joined from Arsenal in a deal worth up to £30million on deadline day, had six shots on his Selhurst Park debut and played the full 90 minutes.
“He had good movement in between the lines. He also had good runs with two or three great finishes.
“He was a little bit unlucky in the second half, but with the penalty in extra time, he made the run and got into a dual with their defender.
“That saw Ismaila Sarr, who had a lot of passion and desire to go for the ball, win the penalty.
Cheick Doucoure was starting his first game for the Eagles in the Premier League since rupturing his achilles in the 2-1 defeat Luton Town in November 2023.
He was replaced at half-time by Will Hughes after going down and receiving treatment for two separate issues in the first half.
Two goals in the second half from Jean-Philippe Mateta saw the Eagles claim their second point of the season.
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner was left disappointed after his side could only pick up a point at home against Leicester. The Eagles were on the brink of defeat after going down 2-0, but Jean-Philippe Mateta scored a brace to rescue a point.
If you’re a pessimist, those are two points dropped. If you’re an optimist, it’s a point gained given the circumstances they found themselves in.
However, the result means the Eagles have only secured two points from a possible 12, which is not ideal for a club that many tipped to break into the top half of the table after a strong end to last season.
Speaking after the game, manager Glasner told the club’s official website: “We know we have to improve in some parts of the game – especially since we conceded the goals too easily. It’s not that we were under pressure when they scored, but when we talk about the second goal, it’s a 60-yard kick from their goalkeeper. It bounced next to our box, and even though we had a four-vs-three situation in the box, we still conceded a goal.
“This is what we have to improve because we know we can always create chances and score goals. But we also need to be more consistent in defending. This is not a problem with our structure, but more about being more resolute, and that is what we will work on.
“I mentioned it at the press conference: for me, it’s like a restart with many new players, so I really appreciate the togetherness shown today. The foundation has been laid. We’re not happy with just the point, but I’m really pleased and delighted with the spirit and character of the players once again.”
