Glasner hails Uche’s performance in UEFA Conference League

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner delivered glowing praise for Nigerian international Christantus Uche, whose decisive goal and assist powered the Eagles to a comfortable 3-0 UEFA Conference League victory over Shelbourne in Dublin on Thursday.

The result significantly boosts Palace’s aspirations for automatic progression to the knockout phase, with goals from Uche, Eddie Nketiah, and Yeremy Pino securing the vital win.

Christantus Uche Seizing The Opportunity

Speaking to the media after the match, Glasner expressed deep satisfaction with the 22-year-old forward’s comprehensive contribution, suggesting the performance could be a turning point in his career at Selhurst Park.

“Yes, of course, for the striker, it’s always the most important thing is scoring goals, but he also assisted one,” Glasner noted, highlighting the clinical efficiency of his forward line. “It was Eddie hitting the post, and Eddie’s the same, Eddie scored one, and then Jeremy scored one. So all three who played up front scored a goal and assisted each other, and that’s how it should be.”

With regular striker Jean-Philippe Mateta sidelined by injury, Uche grasped his chance to impress. He clinically finished Nketiah’s low cross to open the scoring and later saw a shot hit the post, which Nketiah converted for the Eagles’ second goal, effectively registering an assist.

A New Chapter

Glasner asserted that Uche’s quality had been evident prior to the European night and that his performance against Shelbourne was the validation he needed.

“This gives them confidence, and it was time for Uche. He deserved it because he showed up against Fulham, and that’s why he deserved it,” the coach stated. “He also showed that he can help us and can score goals, and that’s why it was a very good performance for him. That’s now for him also maybe the starting moment at Crystal Palace.”

The 3-0 win lifts Palace up to ninth in the league phase standings, positioning them just one point shy of a coveted top-eight spot. They now require only a point at home against KuPS next Thursday in their final league-phase game to guarantee a play-off spot for the last 16.