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An early second-half goal from Odsonne Édouard drew the line between Sheffield United and Crystal Palace at Bramall Lane. Roy Hodgson’s side picked up a vital win on the road, while Sheffield United marked their top-flight return with a dismal defeat.
A narrow defeat on our return to the @premierleague. pic.twitter.com/TQip4RBDZY
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) August 12, 2023
Match Summary
Contents
Odsonne Édouard’s goal proved sufficient for Crystal Palace to secure a victorious start at Bramall Lane, claiming a full three points as they returned to south London, triumphing over a lacklustre Sheffield United team.
In a match where the attacking third often lacked finesse, it was Édouard who seized the pivotal moment. He scored the crucial goal shortly after half-time, securing a well-earned victory for Roy Hodgson’s side.
The home team’s Premier League opener always sets the stage for a tremendous atmosphere, and this occasion at Bramall Lane was no different. Debutant William Osula nearly sent the ground into ruptures as he narrowly missed out on a chance to put Sheffield ahead in the first half.
Other than that, it was the visitors who dictated the play. Jordan Ayew had found the back of the net for Palace, but the score remained unchanged as the goal was ruled out for offside.
Apart from that, the initial half didn’t have many notable moments. Only four minutes into the second half, however, Édouard poached a textbook centre-forward goal to break the deadlock.
The Frenchman managed to find the net once more in the 70th minute, but the offside flag prevented the Eagles from doubling their score. The 72nd minute brought another close chance as Jeffrey Schlupp’s powerful shot compelled Wes Foderingham to make an excellent save.
Sheffield United did little to trouble Sam Johnstone at the Palace goal and only a few more Foderingham saves helped them close out the game with a one-goal deficit.
Sheffield United player ratings: a toothless attacking display
GK Wes Foderingham 7.8/10
DF John Egan 6.8/10
DF Anel Ahmedhodžić 6.7/10
DF Jack Robinson 6.3/10
MF Max Lowe 7.2/10
MF Chris Basham 6.3/10
MF Oliver Norwood 6.6/10
MF Ben Osborn 6.3/10
FW Bénie Traoré 5.8/10
FW William Osula 5.0/10
Subs
None of the Sheffield United subs played for more than 15 minutes, so they did not have enough impact on the game.
Crystal Palace player ratings: grew into the game and dominated later on
GK Sam Johnstone 7.1/10
DF Joel Ward 7.3/10
DF Tyrick Mitchell 7.9/10
DF Marc Guéhi 7.6/10
DF Joachim Andersen 8.2/10
MF Jefferson Lerma 8.1/10
MF Jordan Ayew 7.1/10
MF Eberechi Eze 8.1/10
MF Jeffrey Schlupp 7.6/10
MF Cheick Doucouré 7.5/10
FW Odsonne Édouard 8.5/10
Subs
James Tomkins is the only substitute player who came on for Crystal Palace, who had less than ten minutes of game time. Did not do enough to warrant a ranking.
Player of the Match: Odsonne Édouard
Hodgson also reserved praise for goalscorer Odsonne Edouard.
“He should take confidence,” Hodgson said of the centre-forward. “His performance throughout the game was really good in every respect. He held the ball up well and he was a target for us when we wanted to play the… pic.twitter.com/gAFKq6KYvs
— CPFC Transfers HQ (@CPFCtransfersHQ) August 12, 2023
Odsonne Édouard did a phenomenal job in leading the line for Crystal Palace. He registered three on-target shots, one of which ended up being the only goal of the match. Throughout the match, the former France U-21 striker proved to be a menace for the Sheffield United defence.
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