Crystal Palace defeated Middlesbrough 3-0 at Selhurst Park in the League Cup last night.
The Eagles were happy to sit back and invite pressure from their Championship opponents, then punish them in transition.
However, they had to be incredibly sturdy defensively. They were imperious, especially young signing Honest Ahanor.
He has joined Crystal Palace from Atalanta on loan after Chelsea agreed a deal to sign him next summer for £40 million.
Ahanor delivered a surprisingly good performance in defence, helping to keep a deserved clean sheet.
The Italian defender won two out of two aerial duels, three out of four ground duels and made seven recoveries.
Ahanor was tidy with the ball and played a key role in the first goal as his progressive drive up the field got the ball into the final third.
The 18-year-old has played himself into consideration for this weekend’s Premier League clash with Ipswich Town at Selhurst Park.
Palace desperately need defensive resolve after conceding eight goals in three outings in the Premier League. They have let in goals in league match they have played this season.
The Eagles were famed for their defensive steel under previous manager Oliver Glasner but began to wilt away towards the end of last season.
Pierre Sage needs to make his side more solid, and a solution could be throwing the youngster into the deep end to prove his mettle.
If he continues to deliver similar performances, the Eagles could consider asking for him for another season on loan.
He looks a more worthwhile signing than Axel Disasi, who was barely tested and doesn’t look like the difference-maker Palace are crying out for at the back.
Palace will hope to take this momentum back into the league as they look to improve on their start to the season.
