As Odsonne Edouard entered the pitch to make his Crystal Palace, nobody would have expected that just 28 seconds later, the Frenchman would have his first goal for the club.
Edouard stole the headlines for his debut double, but smart business by the south London side can allow them to go under the radar this season.
Smart Business By Crystal Palace Can Allow Them to Be Underdogs This Season
Dominant Performance Against Tottenham
Patrick Vieira’s Palace dominated large parts of the game against Tottenham, even before Japhet Tanganga was given a second yellow card.
The performance was a stark contrast to the one that would have been expected under Roy Hodgson. The home side were 10 yards further up the pitch taking the game to their visitors, not camped inside their own half waiting for an opening to counter-attack.
Only three of their summer signings started at home to their North London opponents, but those three were vital in helping them seal their first three points this season.
Joachim Andersen and Marc Guehi have formed a formidable partnership after just three games. The pair kept Harry Kane quiet for the entire 90 minutes, not allowing him even the slightest of space to force a shot goal.
Andersen, in particular, stood out. The Danish centre-back made three tackles, two clearances and one interception during the 90 minutes, rewarding Palace for the money that they shelled out for him during the summer.
However, the most impressive of the starters was once again Conor Gallagher. The on-loan Chelsea midfielder has been a revelation for Palace in midfield with energy, and set up the third goal to add to his terrific start to the season.
Options for Palace
Across the pitch, unlike in previous seasons, Palace have options that they can turn on.
One of the biggest criticisms of Roy Hodgson was that he failed to have a plan b. The former England manager kept to a small cohort of players and was rigid in the tactics he used.
Now, though, there is a variety of players and squad depth at Selhurst Park. Odsonne Edouard is likely to be first-choice striker, but in Christian Benteke, Palace have a target man that they can turn late in games or in games they may be chasing.
In midfield, Vieira has several options to choose from. New signing Will Hughes did not make it on to the pitch in the win against Tottenham, paying testament to the qualities of those on the pitch.
Winger Michael Olise finally made his debut against Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, and although he will earn a starting berth eventually, Jordan Ayew could continue in his role on the right flank away to Liverpool.
And, there is still players to return to. Eberechi Eze is expected to return in November, while Nathan Ferguson is also embarking on a return.
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