Crystal Palace 3-0 Middlesbrough: Palace Advance in Carabao Cup

Crystal Palace withstood early pressure to beat Middlesbrough in the third round of

the Carabao Cup.

A brace from Jorgen Strand Larsen, and a chipped strike from Daichi Kamada sent

Pierre Sage’s side into the fourth round.

Sage will be encouraged by back to back wins for his side, who had lost their first

two matches of the season.

Middlesbrough meanwhile will rue their missed chances, and failure to defend

Palace’s aerial crosses.

Middlesbrough Fail to Capitalise on Dominance:

The visitors started the game the stronger side, controlling the midfield, and

restricting Palace’s chances.

Kim Hellberg’s side had 65% possession in the first half, and made over twice as

many accurate passes as their hosts.

Palace goalkeeper Walter Benitez, making his appearance of the season, saved

confidently from Brighton loanee Amario Cozier-Duberry in the early stages.

Both Cozier-Duberry striker David Strelec missed chances shortly after, before

Benitez saved from Callum Brittain.

Crystal Palace took the lead in the 37th minute when right-back Oscar Mingueza’s

cross found Strand Larsen at the back post.

Strand Larsen finished calmly for his first goal of the season, as he tries to fill the

void left by the injured Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Palace Take Control:

The Conference League champions doubled their advantage shortly after half-time.

A cross from left back Ben Chilwell found Strand Larsen in space ten yards from

goal, which the Norwegian striker headed past Middlesbrough’s Sol Brynn, for his

second goal of the game.

Middlesbrough continued to push in the aftermath of the goal, with Palace’s centre-

back pairing of Axel Disasi and Honest Ahanor vital in clearing Middlesbrough’s

aerial crosses.

Middlesbrough’s high press created space for Palace’s forwards on the counter

attack.

The home side exploited this when Strand Larsen made an exquisite turn in the

centre circle to play through substitute Daichi Kamada.

Kamada’s chip over Benitez from the edge of the penalty area effectively sealed the

game for the home side.

Player of the Match: Jorgen Strand Larsen:

Two goals and an assist opened Strand Larsen’s account for the season, and

marked a strong performance from the striker.

His two goals showcased his composure from close range, and aerial ability, while

his through ball for his team’s third showed the striker’s intelligence, and ability

during quick counter attacks.

Palace’s start to the season has been hampered by Mateta’s injury, meaning that

Strand Larsen’s form will be vital to his side’s Premier League and Europa League

campaigns.

What's Next?:

Crystal Palace return to Premier League action at home to Ipswich on Saturday,

before making their Europa League debut when they host Lech Poznan next

Thursday.

Palace will find out who they'll be facing in the fourth round of the League Cup when

the draw is held next Wednesday.

The tie will be played in the week beginning October 26th.

Middlesbrough will play their next two fixtures at home, against Norwich on Saturday

and Millwall next Tuesday, as they aim to build on a strong start to their

Championship campaign