English-Ghanaian forward Eddie Nketiah expressed his excitement after netting his first goal for Crystal Palace in their EFL Cup round of 16 victory over Queens Park Rangers. Nketiah, who joined Crystal Palace during the summer transfer window from Arsenal, didn’t have to wait long to make his mark. In just his second appearance for the Eagles, he found the back of the net, helping his new team progress in the tournament.
The 24-year-old forward’s goal came after a clever piece of play from his teammate Eberechi Eze. Following a quick free-kick taken by Eze, Nketiah positioned himself perfectly to fire home and open the scoring at Loftus Road. His first goal for the club showcased his sharp instincts and eye for goal, something Crystal Palace fans had been eager to see following his move from Arsenal.
Nketiah took to social media to express his joy after the match, writing, “The line is now open. Looking forward to the next round!” His message reflected his readiness for the challenges ahead, as well as his excitement at finally getting on the scoresheet for his new club.
Despite Nketiah’s opener, Queens Park Rangers managed to equalize through Sam Field early in the second half. However, Crystal Palace quickly regained control, with Eze, who was facing his former club, scoring the decisive goal just after the hour mark to secure the win for the Eagles. The victory meant Crystal Palace advanced to the next stage of the EFL Cup, with fans hopeful of further success in the competition.
Crystal Palace manager Olver Glasner was full of praise for Nketiah’s performance after the match, acknowledging the forward’s efforts both in the game and in training. Glasner noted that Nketiah had come close to scoring in Palace’s previous match against Leicester, where he displayed strong finishing but was unfortunate not to get on the scoresheet. This time, however, Nketiah’s persistence paid off, and Glasner was pleased with the result.
“Eddie showed it against Leicester [on Saturday]: he had very good finishes, was a little bit unlucky. Today, he scored,” Glasner said after the match. “He had a great chance as well in the first half where I think one defender cleared it on the line. He showed what he also showed in training.”
Glasner also recognized Nketiah’s efforts in completing his first full 90 minutes of the season, admitting that the player understandably showed signs of fatigue towards the end of the match. “He got a little bit tired, which is normal because he played the first 90 minutes for a long time three days before,” Glasner added. Despite the tiredness, Nketiah’s performance was enough to help Crystal Palace progress, and his manager was satisfied with his contribution.
Nketiah’s arrival at Crystal Palace has been seen as a significant move for both the player and the club. After struggling to cement a starting role at Arsenal, the switch to Crystal Palace offers him more opportunities to showcase his talents and develop as a forward. With Palace competing in various domestic competitions, Nketiah’s goal-scoring abilities will be vital as the team looks to achieve success this season.
The goal against Queens Park Rangers not only boosted Nketiah’s confidence but also showed his versatility in linking up with players like Eze, who was instrumental in setting up the goal. Their partnership on the field is one to watch as the season progresses, with both players showing great chemistry in attack.
For Nketiah, the goal was also a reminder of his ability to deliver in important moments. Having been highly regarded during his youth career at Arsenal, the forward has shown flashes of brilliance but has sometimes been overshadowed by other attacking talents. His move to Crystal Palace now offers him the chance to be a focal point in the team’s attack, and his first goal is hopefully the beginning of many more.
The EFL Cup victory keeps Crystal Palace on track in the competition, with the team now looking ahead to their next challenge. For Nketiah, the focus will be on maintaining his form and continuing to impress his manager and the fans. With a busy fixture list ahead, his contributions will be crucial as Crystal Palace aims for further cup success and a strong league campaign.
Overall, Nketiah’s first goal for Crystal Palace has been a welcome boost for both the player and the club. His performance in the EFL Cup tie demonstrated his value to the team, and with Glasner’s confidence in his abilities, Nketiah will be looking to build on this early success as the season unfolds. Crystal Palace supporters can expect more exciting moments from their new forward, as he continues to make his mark in South London.
