Glasner Urges Crystal Palace To Stay Present And United After West Ham Setback

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Crystal Palace must focus on the present after a 2-0 loss to West Ham at Selhurst Park, according to manager Oliver Glasner. The Eagles had previously defeated the Hammers 5-2 at the same venue in April, part of a strong finish to the 2023-24 season. However, goals from Tomas Soucek and Jarrod Bowen led to Palace's defeat this time, leaving them without points after two Premier League games.

Glasner expressed frustration and emphasised the need to move on from last season's successes. "We can't dream of what we were doing three months ago," Glasner told Ed Aarons of the Guardian. "It's now up to us to keep calm and not be too disappointed. We will sleep really badly tonight but tomorrow the sun will rise."

This week, Palace sold defender Joachim Andersen to Fulham and saw Michael Olise, who scored against West Ham in April, leave for Bayern Munich earlier in the transfer window. Glasner acknowledged that his squad might need reinforcements. "We have lost seven and brought in three," he said. "Maybe we need one or two more. But this is what we're talking about, to have a good balance in the team. Let's see what happens next week."

Despite the defeat, Glasner found positives in their performance. Speaking to the club's media, he said, "I think we played okay. It's maybe not the top level, but it's okay; we created chances and situations. We have to stay positive and together, especially when times are tough."

Victorious manager Julen Lopetegui was pleased with his team's first three points under his leadership. "It feels good to win and we're happy to achieve these three points," he told West Ham's media team.

The match was closely contested at Selhurst Park, with both teams recording identical expected goals (xG). However, West Ham capitalised on their opportunities better than Palace did.

Palace had their moments during the match despite West Ham dominating much of the second half. Ebere Eze stood out by hitting the crossbar shortly before half-time, while Odsonne Edouard also posed a threat.

Lopetegui praised Crystal Palace's quality and resilience: "This stadium is always difficult to win in against a very good team. They have good players, a good coach and good ideas." He added that his team had to defend well and stay united during tough moments to secure the victory.

The result leaves Crystal Palace searching for their first points of the season while providing West Ham with a morale-boosting win under new management.