Conference League: Ismaila Sarr double lifts Palace

Two goals from Senegalese star Ismaila Sarr helped Crystal Palace secure a 3-1 victory at home against Dutch side AZ Alkmaar in the UEFA Conference League.

The 27-year-old scored his first goals in continental competition this season after failing to find the net in four previous Conference League matches for the Premier League side. After Jean-Philippe Mateta failed to convert an early penalty kick, Maxence Lacroix put the hosts ahead five minutes later.

AZ were never in the match and were forced to defend for long stretches. It appeared that the visitors would at least hold on to keep the deficit at one goal by halftime but Sarr put an end to those hopes in first half stoppage time when he arrived to finish after Lacroix flicked a header across the six-yard box.

It was a dominant performance from the English side, who have been the definition of inconsistency this season. However, their recent form is superb with Sarr also scoring twice in a 3-0 victory at Anfield against Liverpool eight days ago.

The Senegalese winger has been quite inconsistent himself this season but has displayed several moments of his ability to change matches. He now has 6 goals and an assist in 14 matches across all competitions for his club, who next host Brighton in the Premier League on Sunday.