Oliver Glasner was left to rue missed opportunities as Crystal Palace suffered a 2-1 defeat to Strasbourg in their recent Conference League match. The Eagles, who are currently fifth in the Premier League, traveled to France with hopes of securing a vital win in their European campaign. However, despite taking the lead through Tyrick Mitchell's first-half goal, they were unable to capitalize on several clear-cut chances, ultimately allowing Strasbourg to mount a comeback.
Mitchell's goal, a well-placed shot into the far corner after a pass from Jean-Philippe Mateta, had put Palace in a promising position. The Eagles had controlled much of the first half, with Ismaila Sarr hitting the post and Yeremy Pino forcing a save from Strasbourg's goalkeeper, Mike Penders. However, Strasbourg responded in the second half, with Emanuel Emegha equalizing in the 53rd minute.
The turning point of the match came when Palace failed to convert two golden opportunities to regain the lead. Sarr's attempt at an empty net from 30 yards out struck the foot of the post, and Adam Wharton's subsequent half-volley also hit the crossbar. Glasner lamented these missed chances, acknowledging the significance of such moments in deciding tight games. "It's easy, when you have twice the empty goal in front of you and you miss the goal twice hitting the post," Glasner told TNT Sports. "Could be, should be 3-1 up and then we have a big chance and in the next situation you are 2-1 down".
Strasbourg capitalized on Palace's profligacy, with Samir El Mourabet scoring his first senior goal to complete the turnaround and secure a 2-1 victory for the home side. Glasner expressed his disappointment, stating, "We've had this too often, to be honest, this season that we didn't decide the game when we could decide it". He further conceded, "Then you lose a game and I think that's why we deserved to lose today".
Reflecting on the game, Mitchell echoed his manager's sentiments, acknowledging the crucial nature of the missed chances. "It's disappointing because we created some decent chances. The two open goals were great chances," Mitchell told TNT Sports. "We just have to be more clinical. I think if we score that second goal, I think we take away three points".
The defeat leaves Crystal Palace in a precarious position in their Conference League group. Despite the loss, Glasner praised his team's overall performance and work ethic but stressed the need for greater efficiency in front of goal. He pinpointed the lack of ruthlessness in decisive moments as the "missing link" for Crystal Palace to be a top team. Glasner has managed to navigate the team well this season, despite losing key players. The team has managed to maintain a strong attack, with an Expected Goals tally at 20.56.
Looking ahead, Glasner will be hoping his side can quickly put this defeat behind them and rediscover their scoring touch. With a busy schedule of Premier League and Conference League fixtures on the horizon, Crystal Palace will need to be more clinical in front of goal if they are to achieve their ambitions this season.
