Crystal Palace once again failed to get the better of AEK Larnaca following their 0-0 draw at Selhurst Park yesterday.
Palace hosted Larnaca in the first leg of their Europa Conference League match-up.
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Unfortunately, the Eagles failed to convert their chances as Zlatan Alomerovic’s heroics in goal kept them at bay.
Palace stars like Tyrick Mitchell, Evann Guessand, Jean-Philippe Mateta, and Brennan Johnson were all guilty of spurning decent chances.
Despite the disappointment of not securing a win at home, Palace boss Oliver Glasner will be impressed by the application.
He will take encouragement from the fact that they did not lose, unlike when they faced Larnaca in the group stage.
Also, his shock decision to play Johnson as wing-back in the absence of Daniel Munoz paid remarkable dividends.
Johnson joined in the January transfer window from Tottenham Hotspur but has struggled to make an impact for the Eagles.
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He does not particularly fit into any of the number 10 roles in Glasner’s 3-4-2-1 set-up. However, playing him on the flank brought him closer to his natural position.
He was very influential in proceedings, especially in the second half.
Johnson created one big chance, played two key passes, and completed two of his three attempted dribbles. He won two fouls and recorded six progressive carries.
The 24-year-old was dribbled past twice, but still won 4/7 ground duels and showed diligence in his defensive duties.
The expectation was that Nathaniel Clyne would start in Munoz’s absence, but Glasner took a gamble that paid off.
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“Wherever the manager needs me to play I’m happy to do so – it’s a privilege to play for this club,” Johnson remarked on playing as a wing-back (via the BBC).
Johnson has not gotten off to the best of starts in a Palace shirt, but this performance will offer some encouragement that he could be useful.
The Welshman thrived in this role and could keep his place in the side if Munoz is out for a long period of time.
