Palace Edge Past Stockport in Hard-Fought FA Cup Encounter
Crystal Palace secured their place in the FA Cup fourth round with a narrow 1-0 victory over League One side Stockport County at Selhurst Park. The match, analyzed extensively by Jeetbuzz team of football experts, showcased Eberechi Eze‘s early brilliance and Stockport’s surprising resilience against Premier League opposition.
The decisive moment came in just the 4th minute when Eze capitalized on a defensive miscue. Daichi Kamada’s initial pass was blocked by Odin Bailey, but the ball fell perfectly for the England international to slot home past goalkeeper Corey Addai. This early strike set the tone for what many expected to be a comfortable Palace win, but Stockport had other ideas.
Tactical Analysis: How Palace Controlled Yet Struggled
Oliver Glasner’s side dominated possession (63%) but faced unexpected challenges from their League One opponents. Jeetbuzz tactical analysts noted several key points:
- Midfield Dynamics: Jefferson Lerma and Kamada controlled the tempo but struggled to break Stockport’s compact defensive lines
- Wing Play: Daniel Munoz provided width but final deliveries often lacked precision
- Defensive Organization: Marc Guehi’s leadership was crucial in maintaining Palace’s slender lead
Stockport’s manager Dave Challinor deserves credit for his tactical setup. The visitors actually registered more shots on target (4 to Palace’s 3) and created several dangerous moments:
- Kyle Wootton’s 18th-minute header forced a smart save from Matt Turner
- Isaac Olaofe’s 33rd-minute chance required Guehi’s last-ditch intervention
- Late pressure nearly produced an equalizer in stoppage time
Player Spotlight: Eze Shines While Stockport Impress
Eberechi Eze was undoubtedly the standout performer, as noted by Jeetbuzz player rating system:
- Eze: 8/10 – Constant threat, scored the winner, created 3 chances
- Guehi: 7.5/10 – Defensive rock with 5 clearances and 3 interceptions
- Turner: 7/10 – Solid in his rare start with 4 saves
Stockport’s Corey Addai (7/10) made several crucial stops to keep his team in the game, while Wootton (6.5/10) worked tirelessly up front against Premier League defenders.
Glasner Addresses Chalobah Situation
In post-match comments analyzed by Jeetbuzz, Palace manager Oliver Glasner clarified Trevoh Chalobah’s absence:
“Trevoh wants to stay, we want him to stay. There was a contractual issue today, but I’m confident we’ll resolve it. Our squad is strong and we’re building something special here.”
This statement should reassure Palace fans concerned about the Chelsea loanee’s future amid recent speculation.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
For Crystal Palace:
- Fourth round FA Cup draw awaits
- Premier League focus returns with crucial matches ahead
- Opportunity to build momentum from this hard-fought win
For Stockport County:
- Can take pride in a respectable performance
- Return to League One promotion push
- Valuable experience against top-flight opposition
Conclusion: Palace Progress But Questions Remain
While Crystal Palace secured the expected result, their performance raised questions about attacking efficiency. As Jeetbuzz analysis shows, Eze’s quality made the difference, but Glasner will want more from his other attacking players in upcoming fixtures.
The FA Cup continues to produce surprises, and while Palace avoided becoming victims this time, they’ll need to improve to progress further in the competition. Stockport’s valiant effort proves why the FA Cup remains football’s most magical domestic competition.
