Crystal Palace

Charlotte Coates
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

After scoring 11 goals in 27 league games last season, Eberechi Eze was tipped to be one of the star performers in the Premier League this time around.

In fact, Palace chairman Steve Parish said he was "astounded" at the lack of interest in Eze during the summer transfer window.

Since scoring a stunning goal against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge to earn Palace a point, Eze has benefited from rather quiet while his side have remained in the bottom three.

However, there was a shift in performance from Eze and Palace at Selhurst Park and Tottenham could not live with either.

Eze was not the match winner but his beautiful flick to Jean-Philippe Mateta enabled the Frenchman to secure their first three points of the season.

With Eddie Nketiah dropped to the bench, Eze was much more influential in the game and found himself linking up with Mateta on numerous occasions.

The England international also thought he deserved a penalty after a jinking run through the Spurs defence resulted in him being pulled down in the box, but the referee waved away the appeals.

Eze will be hoping to follow up this impressive performance when Palace head to Molineux to take on Wolves on Saturday.

Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has been speaking to BBC Match of the Day about the win: "Congratulations to the players for how they played today, with passion and courage. They showed it on the pitch against a good Tottenham team.

"We tried to be active at the end and there were some moments, but Tottenham are a great team. The players took it as a chance and every single phase of their play we played great and moved the ball. A very good performance today.

"I mentioned before the game that if we were convinced changing the formation was the solution, then we would do it immediately. Tottenham tried everything late on. The players did amazing and that is why we won this game."

On Eberechi Eze: "I think we have seen the 'old' Eze all season. He has been a bit unlucky. He scored a great goal but was offside.

"I think it is a penalty but I didn't see it on TV. If he has a free shot then he shoots, so I don't know why he would lie down on the grass. We know he is technically unbelievable."

On whether this result eases the pressure: "It helps all of us if we play in that way. We are a very good team and it is very difficult to beat us. Getting this response in this game helps us.

"We have to show it again in three days against Aston Villa. This is the benchmark. You can score and concede, this is football."

Image source, Getty Images

Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi has been speaking to BBC Match of the Day about the Eagles' first league win of the season: "On effort, resilience and team spirit - everything was there today.

"I'm really grateful today. I wouldn't say it was all about today, but there has been work behind the scenes and the supporters have been behind us.

"Credit to the manager and staff. The message this week was to not sink when things get difficult.

"It is important to be brave against a good Spurs team."

Image source, Getty Images

Crystal Palace's Jean-Phillipe Mateta struck the winner in this match with his 17th Premier League goal of 2024. Only Erling Haaland (24) and Cole Palmer (21) have netted more goals this calendar year.

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

Have your say on Crystal Palace’s performance, external

What did you make of Tottenham’s display?, external

Come back to this page on Monday to find a selection of your replies

Four matches make up Sunday's Premier League action, and we will bring you every moment.

• Chelsea v Newcastle - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Crystal Palace v Tottenham - listen on the BBC Sport website

• West Ham v Man Utd - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Arsenal v Liverpool - 16:30 - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

Kick-offs 14:00 GMT unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction on our live page here

Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League matches this season, against a variety of guests.

For week nine he takes on rapper Nemzzz, who supports Manchester United.

Sutton's prediction: 1-2

Crystal Palace are desperate to get their first league win of the season, but any sort of positive result would do after losing their past three games.

I was at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday with BBC Radio 5 Live for Arsenal versus Shaktar Donetsk in the Champions League, and Roy Hodgson was there as a Uefa technical observer. Is his next step a return to the Palace hotseat?

I am saying that tongue in cheek because there is no way they will bring him back - or that he would go back - but Eagles manager Oliver Glasner is already under pressure and the heat will really be on if they lose this game.

I am backing Tottenham, although I am a bit concerned about the fitness of Son Heung-min, who is back from injury but was rested for their Europa League game with AZ Alkmaar on Thursday.

Tiredness could affect other players. Spurs play high-pressing and high-energy football and I wonder what playing twice a week will do to them.

Also, the way Tottenham play might suit Palace more, because Eberechi Eze will have a lot more space than he had in their defeat against Nottingham Forest on Monday.

So Palace should pose more of a threat, but Spurs blew West Ham away and, while this will be a lot closer, I still expect them to win.

Nemzzz's prediction: 0-1

Palace are really missing Michael Olise, so I am backing Spurs.

Read the full predictions and have your say here

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As a player, it is tough when you have not won in weeks and you know that everyone you are playing fancies their chances against you.

Teams will take it to you because they want to make you feel uncomfortable and, historically, teams near the bottom of a league do not have good away records, so that can then create anxiety for home fixtures because there is more pressure on them.

It does not matter how that first win comes but it is so important. But then immediately you will be looking at the fixtures and thinking when will the second come?

Everyone is objectively aware of how good the top four teams are, but some other teams are tough too. Those mid-table teams are often more robust.

Realistically, to survive you need between eight and 11 wins a season, but if you do not believe you can achieve that then that is another issue.

Players need to be able to handle any scenario you are given in the Premier League, but unfortunately for a lot of these teams near the bottom, they are so new to it so they can't lean on previous experiences. Lessons need to be learned quickly and then applied so that results start picking up.

But fans also need to look at performances as well as results.

Supporters might be looking at other managers as an option, but the grass isn't always greener - and then what if it makes no difference?

It is OK having positive performances but not getting anything out of the game - because at least you know you are along the right rack. It is when the performances aren't good that you can start to be concerned.

But having said that, no team should be in real panic mode right now.

Nedum Onuoha was speaking to BBC Sport's Katie Stafford

Crystal Palace, Ipswich Town, Southampton and Wolverhampton Wanderers all remain winless after eight Premier League games - so how can they kickstart their season?

Former Leeds, Everton and Leicester striker Jermaine Beckford tells The Football News Show that back-to-basics, low-risk football is their best bet.

Watch The Football News Show on iPlayer

Millie Sian
BBC Sport journalist

Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Tottenham (kick-off 14:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• The squad remains the same as it was for last weekend against Nottingham Forest with no new injury concerns but no players returning from injury.

• Cheick Doucoure completed "one training session" with the first team this week but his return from injury will "still take time".

• On whether the club has decided if Adam Wharton needs to undergo surgery for his injury: "We are discussing. When we make the final decision, we will inform everyone. At the moment, he will be with us for at least the next three games and then we will see what happens."

• There was a "big disappointment" after losing at the City Ground, but Glasner's aim for this week has been "getting heads and chins up". He added: "We have had good training sessions. The mood has got better and better, but we are all humans so it takes time to deal with disappointment."

• On whether he feels under pressure at the moment, as his team continues their search for a first league win of the season: "We are always under pressure, especially if we don't get the results we want. That is normal in football, so this is something we have to deal with. When you sign a contract as a manager, you know there will be times when this is the case."

• He believes Daichi Kamada has already "adapted" to the Premier League: "I saw a good game from him at Nottingham, but maybe he wasn't quite lucky. I know him well - he puts himself under pressure because he wants to score goals. He is working very hard for the team, so I think he has adapted - yes."

• He expects an "intense" game against Tottenham: "Intensity, runs, pace, high quality... I've just heard that maybe Son [Heung-min] won't be available, but they have a great midfield and a lot of pace in defence. It will all be about intensity - the team sprinting most, making runs in behind and giving pressure off the ball."

• Even though Spurs will make it a "challenging" game, Glasner is confident Palace will get "chances and opportunities" and they will need to be "efficient" in order to score from them.

Full commentary of Crystal Palace v Tottenham from 14:00 BST on Sunday on the BBC Sport website

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the latest football news here

Former England manager Gareth Southgate and ex-Chelsea and Brighton boss Graham Potter are among the candidates to replace Oliver Glasner, if Crystal Palace's form does not improve under the Austrian. (Teamtalk), external

Liverpool are set to step up their interest in Eagles defender Marc Guehi, amid uncertainty surrounding the future of Virgil van Dijk. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer news and gossip? Read Friday's full column

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on one thing nobody is talking about at Crystal Palace.

Here are some of your comments:

Aaron: Some of the fans are far too negative. In such a difficult situation both the players and the manager need all of the fans’ support. Both Glasner and the majority of the players have proven themselves at the end of last year. The fans need to get behind their team and take just as much responsibility as the players and manager.

Adam: Eze is not delivering. He needs more direction. He beats two players and loses the ball to the third. His passing is poor. He has great potential but needs to be given a different role in the team. More of a playmaker. Beat two and then make the great pass… also picking up the clearance when he can come alive and show his flair.

Derek: One thing good or bad is Palace's lack of ambition over the years. They had a chance to change that, by keeping the same team they had at the end of last year. But they let Olise go and it’s been all downhill since. The talk of replacing Glasner has made things worse. After over 50 years a Palace fan, I confess I’ve just about given up.

Chris: That Chalobah has been really poor since coming in. At fault for the goal against Liverpool and a dreadful header in the lead up to Forest’s winner. If we are to go to a back four he should be the one to make way.

Cypruseagle: I cannot understand why Glasner has changed the system. We finished the season with an intense high press and we were winning the ball back in their final third and crossing the ball in quickly for Mateta. This season there is no press until they get in our half. It looks as if he's lost the dressing room. Huge concern.

Image source, Getty Images

Of all the teams at the bottom of the Premier League table, Crystal Palace are probably the one who will have had the highest expectations for this season.

But Palace lost significant players over the summer and we are seeing the impact of that now.

Towards the back end of last season they were performing at their peak, but we are now at the other end of that.

Expectation is only there from fans this season because they were playing their best football in years just a few months ago.

Palace know that, realistically, they should have won a game by now with the players and manager they have, but unfortunately for them they are struggling.

When the performances start drifting that is then the cause for concern. But they are capable of winning games - it is a just lot harder when you are not on a good run.

Losing affects your confidence, so they will be feeling that individually and collectively.

Nedum Onuoha was speaking to BBC Sport's Katie Stafford

Crystal Palace fans - your side's winless start to the Premier League season has been one of the main topics of discussion in the opening two months of the campaign.

We've heard lots of chatter about sales, recruitment and being toothless in front of goal - but you know your club the best.

So tell us, what is the one thing nobody is talking about - good or bad?

Have your say here, external

Alex Howell
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Oliver Glasner is not in immediate danger of being sacked by Crystal Palace following their poor start to the season - but results must improve, and quickly.

Palace are one of four sides without a win in the Premier League so and find themselves in the bottom three.

The Eagles, who ended last season winning six of their last seven games, have looked a completely different side to that one - devoid of confidence and the ability to score goals.

Palace host Tottenham at the weekend, a game they would be underdogs in anyway, before massive matches in the Premier League against fellow winless side Wolves and Fulham.

Glasner accepted after the Nottingham Forest defeat that he may need to change formation from his favoured 3-4-3 system to get the most out of his side.

Summer signing Eddie Nketiah has yet to score in the league and Daichi Kamada is struggling for form and a position that suits him best.

Adam Wharton, who had such an impressive breakthrough season in the Premier League for Palace and is key to how they play, is struggling with a groin issue and was an unused substitute at Forest.

Palace have changed managers when they have been in threat of relegation before.

Sources say the conversation around Glasner's future has not yet been had, but that could change if form does not pick up before the November international break.

Graham Potter, David Moyes and Gareth Southgate are potential candidates to succeed Oliver Glasner if he is sacked by Crystal Palace. (Guardian), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Image source, PA Media

Crystal Palace's 1-0 loss at Nottingham Forest on Monday meant that for the first time in the English top-flight's 126-year history, four clubs have failed to win any of their first eight matches of a league season.

Palace, Ipswich, Southampton and Wolves are all yet to be victorious in the Premier League this campaign.

According to Opta,, external 10 clubs in the Premier League era (since 1992-93) have failed to win any of their first eight games and yet have gone on to avoid relegation.

The most recent of those came last season when Bournemouth, who did not win until their 10th league fixture of 2023-24, recovered to finish 12th.

Before Saints and Wolves did so this season, there had only been six occasions when a team had taken one point or fewer from their opening eight matches of a Premier League season.

Two of those sides ended up surviving - Southampton in 1998-99 and Sunderland in 2013-14.

Alex Pewter
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Entering Monday's game at Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace had been through a series of close fixtures, often undone by individual errors.

After 65 minutes, having been part of yet another tight match, they were again foiled by a mistake.

Dean Henderson was the guilty party this week, fumbling at what would normally be a regulation save.

There are a series of questions needing a multitude of answers and, as is often the case in football, winning can bury many and losing only highlights them.

Alas, this team is unable to win games and in truth, very few fans expected a comeback once Chris Wood had put Forest into a seemingly unassailable 1-0 lead.

Here lies the problem: in a sport where goals are precious currency, this Palace team is verging on insolvency. With four non-penalty goals through the opening eight matches, the margins are fine enough that bad luck, deserved or not, becomes a considerable deciding factor.

Statistically, the team is taking plenty of shots, but much like the speculative efforts from Eddie Nketiah and Eberechi Eze on Monday, they are being held to long range.

The team is currently 10th in the division with shots taken, but 19th in average xG [expected goals] per chance, with an average distance that is outside of the area. Long-range efforts may be ones for the cameras, but are by their nature low-percentage chances.

So given those factors, is it any surprise that Oliver Glasner's team has the worst shot conversion rate in the entire league? Possibly not.

There is still merit in discussing the summer's transfer activity as a mitigating factor in Glasner's struggles; however, the team is forced to make do with the current crop of attacking talents at least until January.

There is still much credit in the bank for Palace's manager, but with the league position becoming more perilous, solving the attacking conundrum is a more pressing issue week after week.

Find more from Alex Pewter at FYP podcast, external

Image source, Getty Images

It is only the fourth time in Crystal Palace's history they have failed to win any of their opening eight league games, the previous occasion coming in the 1992-93 Premier League season. Palace were relegated at the end of that campaign.

It is not all doom and gloom for the Eagles though, because other teams have been here before - and stayed up.

Ten times a side has failed to win any of their opening eight Premier League games and managed to avoid the drop.

Bournemouth had an identical record to Palace at this stage last season - no wins, three draws and five losses - and finished 12th.

That also happens to be one of 13 occasions a team has gone on to avoid relegation after collecting only three points from their first eight Premier League matches.

Palace have managed to do that twice themselves, in 2014 and 2018.

Is it as bad as it seems? More analysis over here

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your thoughts after Monday's Premier League game between Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace.

Here are some of your comments:

Forest fans

Doug: Very good performance, seeing as we had two key players out of the starting line-up. The most encouraging thing was that once we scored, we did not sit back and allow the opposing team to come on to us. A solid defensive performance as well.

Ken: A great win against a side who are better than their league position suggests. The table doesn't lie - we deserve to be where we are. So many brilliant performances from Matz Sels, Murillo, Nikola Milenkovic, Elliot Anderson, Ryan Yates and Chris Wood. Win on Friday and we can go fifth for 24 hours!

James: Another first-class performance by Nuno’s boys! Superb defensive line proving different for any team to breakdown! Pundits need to think again where Forest may finish this season. Many had written us off already but the Premier League has surprises every season. Fingers crossed the Reds will be one of them.

Palace fans

Mark: No lack of effort but lacking confidence. Too much on Eberechi Eze’s shoulders. Struggling in midfield due to injuries. Need a win and quickly. Going to be a long hard season. Must stick with the manager but we could be reliant on the promoted sides faltering or not improving. Massive six pointer against Wolves.

Christopher: Another defeat and of course things are now getting more and more gloomy. I simply cannot see where the goals are going to come from. The defence looks nervous and with a bad error from our goalkeeper, Dean Henderson is going to be extremely nervous against Spurs this Saturday, as will the fans. I’ll be at Selhurst, but it’s going to be a hard watch.

Gavin: Groundhog Day: We started well, but we cannot sustain any momentum. Tactical changes required as we do not look like scoring. Eddie Nketiah needs to play as an out-and-out number nine because he is persistently too deep. Ismaila Sarr should be used for his rapid pace and ability to cross into the box while the midfield is simply ineffective. Incredibly frustrating performances of late.