Glasner’s 11 changes backfired as Palace drew 2-2 with ten-man KuPS, dropping to Conference League play-offs. But the rotation gamble may still prove wise given what lies ahead.
Oliver Glasner’s gamble on wholesale rotation backfired as Crystal Palace were held to a 2-2 draw by ten-man KuPS, condemning the Eagles to the Conference League play-offs instead of automatic last-16 qualification. But was the decision to make 11 changes actually wrong — or simply unlucky?
The Austrian made good on his promise to prioritise squad management over European progression. With Leeds United away in the Premier League looming just 48 hours later and a Carabao Cup quarter-final at Arsenal on Tuesday, Glasner fielded a completely fresh XI that included three senior debuts from the academy.
The result? A chaotic evening at Selhurst Park that saw Palace surrender a lead, fall behind against Finnish opposition, benefit from a red card, and ultimately settle for a point that drops them from potential top-eight contention to a play-off round in February.
The tactical setup: youth meets necessity
Glasner deployed his preferred 3-4-2-1 shape but with unfamiliar personnel throughout. The back three featured Joel Ward alongside academy graduates, while 16-year-old Joel Drakes-Thomas — who became the fourth youngest player to ever appear for Palace — operated in midfield.
George King led the line with Christantus Uche and Romain Esse operating as the dual number tens. The intent was clear: maintain structural discipline while accepting a drop in individual quality.
For the opening 45 minutes, the plan worked. Uche’s stunning Trivela finish in the fifth minute — a curling strike with the outside of his boot — epitomised the confidence running through a young side eager to impress. Palace dominated possession and territory, creating enough chances to put the game beyond doubt.
The collapse: three minutes that changed everything
Half-time arrived with Palace comfortable at 1-0. What followed was a masterclass in how quickly momentum can shift when experience is lacking.
KuPS emerged with renewed purpose. Piotr Parzyszek, their Polish striker who now has two Conference League goals this campaign, pulled them level on 50 minutes with a clinical finish. Just three minutes later, Ibrahim Cisse completed the turnaround. A second Parzyszek goal was chalked off for offside following a VAR review, but the damage was done.
The Palace youngsters, so assured in the first half, suddenly looked exposed. Positional discipline wavered, pressing triggers became inconsistent, and KuPS found space between the lines that hadn’t existed before the break.
Red card reprieve and Devenny’s rescue
Palace’s salvation came via KuPS’ self-destruction. Clinton Antwi’s reckless studs-up challenge on Will Hughes in the 73rd minute earned a straight red card, shifting the numerical advantage to the hosts.
Glasner responded immediately. Jean-Philippe Mateta and Eddie Nketiah replaced King and Uche, injecting proven Premier League quality into the attack. Crucially, Tyrick Mitchell came on at left wing-back, adding the defensive security and delivery that Palace had lacked.
Within three minutes, Mitchell’s teasing cross found Justin Devenny arriving at the far post. The youngster’s bullet header restored parity at 2-2 — a goal that ensured Palace’s European campaign continues, albeit via the longer route.
What the numbers tell us
The underlying data paints a nuanced picture:
- Possession: Palace dominated with 64%, but possession without penetration proved meaningless once KuPS found their rhythm
- Shots: 18-7 in Palace’s favour, yet only 5 on target
- Second-half expected goals: KuPS generated their two best chances within a three-minute window — clinical efficiency against a side that temporarily lost its shape
- Post-red card: Palace created four clear chances in 17 minutes, demonstrating what quality off the bench can do against tired legs
The critical period was minutes 48-55. Palace’s young centre-backs pushed too high without adequate cover, inviting KuPS to play direct balls in behind. It was a structural failure rather than an individual one — the kind of lapse that experience typically prevents.
Glasner’s calculated risk
Post-match, Glasner was pragmatic: “We would have preferred to win, but everything else, we calculated this risk of maybe getting a draw. We could rest a few players.”
The Austrian’s logic is sound. Palace sit fifth in the Premier League, are in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, and remain alive in Europe. Playing first-choice players in a competition where finishing 10th versus 8th means two extra games in February — while facing Leeds, Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, and Brighton in rapid succession — would have been questionable resource management.
The cost? Two additional fixtures in February and the risk of a tougher draw in the play-off round. The benefit? Fresh legs for matches that carry greater weight in the broader season context.
January reinforcements now critical
Glasner confirmed the club is “on track” with January transfer business, a necessity given the circumstances:
- Ismaïla Sarr: Departed for AFCON, won’t return until February
- Daniel Muñoz: Requires knee surgery, potentially out for an extended period
- Daichi Kamada: Hamstring injury suffered against Manchester City
- Chadi Riad, Cheick Doucouré: Still working back to full fitness
With Palace potentially competing in four competitions across January and February, squad depth becomes existential rather than optional. Glasner hinted at “one or two signings,” with reports suggesting a wide forward and right wing-back are priorities.
The bigger picture: Glasner’s future
The elephant in the room remains Glasner’s contract, which expires at season’s end. Talks have been delayed due to fixture congestion — the very issue that forced Thursday’s rotation.
The irony isn’t lost. A manager whose philosophy prioritises long-term squad sustainability finds himself unable to discuss his own future because the schedule he’s navigating demands total focus on the present.
Palace have drawn up succession plans — names like José Bordalás and Liam Rosenior have been mentioned — but the preference remains extending Glasner’s deal. His transformation of Palace from relegation candidates to FA Cup winners and European competitors represents one of English football’s most impressive coaching jobs in recent years.
Conclusion: pragmatism over romance
Thursday’s result will frustrate Palace supporters who dreamed of a straightforward path to the Conference League knockout rounds. But Glasner’s decision-making reflects a modern reality: the Premier League is the priority, followed by domestic cups, with European third-tier competition a bonus rather than an obsession.
The youngsters who debuted — Drakes-Thomas, King, Benamar — gained invaluable experience. The senior players got rest ahead of Leeds. The European adventure continues.
Was it ideal? No. Was it rational? Absolutely.
Palace travel to Elland Road on Saturday knowing their best XI is available. That, ultimately, was the point.
Glasner’s 11 changes backfired as Palace drew 2-2 with ten-man KuPS, dropping to Conference League play-offs. But the rotation gamble may still prove wise given what lies ahead.
Oliver Glasner’s gamble on wholesale rotation backfired as Crystal Palace were held to a 2-2 draw by ten-man KuPS, condemning the Eagles to the Conference League play-offs instead of automatic last-16 qualification. But was the decision to make 11 changes actually wrong — or simply unlucky?
The Austrian made good on his promise to prioritise squad management over European progression. With Leeds United away in the Premier League looming just 48 hours later and a Carabao Cup quarter-final at Arsenal on Tuesday, Glasner fielded a completely fresh XI that included three senior debuts from the academy.
The result? A chaotic evening at Selhurst Park that saw Palace surrender a lead, fall behind against Finnish opposition, benefit from a red card, and ultimately settle for a point that drops them from potential top-eight contention to a play-off round in February.
The tactical setup: youth meets necessity
Glasner deployed his preferred 3-4-2-1 shape but with unfamiliar personnel throughout. The back three featured Joel Ward alongside academy graduates, while 16-year-old Joel Drakes-Thomas — who became the fourth youngest player to ever appear for Palace — operated in midfield.
George King led the line with Christantus Uche and Romain Esse operating as the dual number tens. The intent was clear: maintain structural discipline while accepting a drop in individual quality.
For the opening 45 minutes, the plan worked. Uche’s stunning Trivela finish in the fifth minute — a curling strike with the outside of his boot — epitomised the confidence running through a young side eager to impress. Palace dominated possession and territory, creating enough chances to put the game beyond doubt.
The collapse: three minutes that changed everything
Half-time arrived with Palace comfortable at 1-0. What followed was a masterclass in how quickly momentum can shift when experience is lacking.
KuPS emerged with renewed purpose. Piotr Parzyszek, their Polish striker who now has two Conference League goals this campaign, pulled them level on 50 minutes with a clinical finish. Just three minutes later, Ibrahim Cisse completed the turnaround. A second Parzyszek goal was chalked off for offside following a VAR review, but the damage was done.
The Palace youngsters, so assured in the first half, suddenly looked exposed. Positional discipline wavered, pressing triggers became inconsistent, and KuPS found space between the lines that hadn’t existed before the break.
Red card reprieve and Devenny’s rescue
Palace’s salvation came via KuPS’ self-destruction. Clinton Antwi’s reckless studs-up challenge on Will Hughes in the 73rd minute earned a straight red card, shifting the numerical advantage to the hosts.
Glasner responded immediately. Jean-Philippe Mateta and Eddie Nketiah replaced King and Uche, injecting proven Premier League quality into the attack. Crucially, Tyrick Mitchell came on at left wing-back, adding the defensive security and delivery that Palace had lacked.
Within three minutes, Mitchell’s teasing cross found Justin Devenny arriving at the far post. The youngster’s bullet header restored parity at 2-2 — a goal that ensured Palace’s European campaign continues, albeit via the longer route.
What the numbers tell us
The underlying data paints a nuanced picture:
- Possession: Palace dominated with 64%, but possession without penetration proved meaningless once KuPS found their rhythm
- Shots: 18-7 in Palace’s favour, yet only 5 on target
- Second-half expected goals: KuPS generated their two best chances within a three-minute window — clinical efficiency against a side that temporarily lost its shape
- Post-red card: Palace created four clear chances in 17 minutes, demonstrating what quality off the bench can do against tired legs
The critical period was minutes 48-55. Palace’s young centre-backs pushed too high without adequate cover, inviting KuPS to play direct balls in behind. It was a structural failure rather than an individual one — the kind of lapse that experience typically prevents.
Glasner’s calculated risk
Post-match, Glasner was pragmatic: “We would have preferred to win, but everything else, we calculated this risk of maybe getting a draw. We could rest a few players.”
The Austrian’s logic is sound. Palace sit fifth in the Premier League, are in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, and remain alive in Europe. Playing first-choice players in a competition where finishing 10th versus 8th means two extra games in February — while facing Leeds, Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, and Brighton in rapid succession — would have been questionable resource management.
The cost? Two additional fixtures in February and the risk of a tougher draw in the play-off round. The benefit? Fresh legs for matches that carry greater weight in the broader season context.
January reinforcements now critical
Glasner confirmed the club is “on track” with January transfer business, a necessity given the circumstances:
- Ismaïla Sarr: Departed for AFCON, won’t return until February
- Daniel Muñoz: Requires knee surgery, potentially out for an extended period
- Daichi Kamada: Hamstring injury suffered against Manchester City
- Chadi Riad, Cheick Doucouré: Still working back to full fitness
With Palace potentially competing in four competitions across January and February, squad depth becomes existential rather than optional. Glasner hinted at “one or two signings,” with reports suggesting a wide forward and right wing-back are priorities.
The bigger picture: Glasner’s future
The elephant in the room remains Glasner’s contract, which expires at season’s end. Talks have been delayed due to fixture congestion — the very issue that forced Thursday’s rotation.
The irony isn’t lost. A manager whose philosophy prioritises long-term squad sustainability finds himself unable to discuss his own future because the schedule he’s navigating demands total focus on the present.
Palace have drawn up succession plans — names like José Bordalás and Liam Rosenior have been mentioned — but the preference remains extending Glasner’s deal. His transformation of Palace from relegation candidates to FA Cup winners and European competitors represents one of English football’s most impressive coaching jobs in recent years.
Conclusion: pragmatism over romance
Thursday’s result will frustrate Palace supporters who dreamed of a straightforward path to the Conference League knockout rounds. But Glasner’s decision-making reflects a modern reality: the Premier League is the priority, followed by domestic cups, with European third-tier competition a bonus rather than an obsession.
The youngsters who debuted — Drakes-Thomas, King, Benamar — gained invaluable experience. The senior players got rest ahead of Leeds. The European adventure continues.
Was it ideal? No. Was it rational? Absolutely.
Palace travel to Elland Road on Saturday knowing their best XI is available. That, ultimately, was the point.
