The England midfielder’s second-half strike settled the contest.
Eze Shines as Palace Triumph Over QPR: Glasner Praises ‘Unbelievable Finisher’
In a thrilling third-round clash of the Carabao Cup, Crystal Palace emerged victorious with a 2-1 win over QPR, thanks to the remarkable performance of Eberechi Eze. Returning to Loftus Road, his former stomping ground, Eze put on a show, delivering a goal and an assist that secured his side’s spot in the next round. Palace manager Oliver Glasner had nothing but praise for the England international, calling him “absolutely top” and an “unbelievable finisher.”
For Eze, this was more than just a victory. It was a homecoming, marked by a warm welcome from QPR fans, who presented him with a shirt before kick-off. The 25-year-old didn’t disappoint, putting in a man-of-the-match performance that showed why he is one of the Premier League’s most exciting talents.
Eze Dominates in Second Half, Seals Palace’s Victory
The night’s first breakthrough came when Eze set up Eddie Nketiah for Palace’s opener. The young forward, who recently joined the Eagles from Arsenal for a reported £30 million, smashed the ball through QPR keeper Joe Walsh’s legs from a tight angle, opening his Palace account in style.
But QPR weren’t going to give up easily. Just after the half-time break, Sam Field smashed home a powerful equaliser, bringing the Championship side level and injecting fresh energy into the contest. For a moment, it seemed like the game could go either way.
Then, in the 64th minute, Eze delivered the decisive blow. Receiving the ball at the edge of the box, he took a touch before unleashing a powerful strike that soared into the net, leaving Walsh helpless. It was a moment of brilliance that highlighted the skill and finishing ability that Glasner later lauded.
Glasner’s High Praise for Eze’s Quality
Following the match, Glasner was effusive in his praise for Eze, acknowledging his impact on the game and his overall contribution to the team. "Who's a better player than Eze? For me, he's absolutely top," the Palace manager said. "If he was luckier this season, he would have five or six goals."
Glasner highlighted Eze’s consistency in creating goal-scoring opportunities, noting that his finishing ability makes him a constant threat. “He’s always dangerous because he has the quality and ability at 1-1. He’s such an unbelievable finisher,” Glasner said, adding that Eze’s influence extends beyond his technical skills.
“This is why he’s on the pitch—because he’s able to score goals,” Glasner concluded, underlining how Eze’s presence transforms the team’s attacking dynamics.
Nketiah’s Palace Debut: A Promising Start
Eddie Nketiah, who has been under the spotlight since his high-profile move from Arsenal, also played a pivotal role in Palace’s win. The forward’s sharpness and ability to find space in the box were on full display as he converted Eze’s pass for his first goal in a Palace shirt.
Glasner was equally impressed with Nketiah’s performance, praising his intelligence and movement on the field. “Eddie’s showed it before he joined; he can score goals,” the manager said. “He’s smart at finding space, he can play as a nine or 10, and he can play around the striker because he’s smart and has such a good feeling.”
Glasner’s comments point to Nketiah’s versatility, an attribute that will be invaluable for Palace as they navigate the challenges of the Premier League and cup competitions this season. “He can make a run in behind from the opposite side and wait for the cut-back,” Glasner added, indicating that Nketiah’s awareness and tactical nous are already making a significant impact.
QPR’s Effort: Pride in Defeat
Despite the loss, QPR manager Marti Cifuentes was proud of his team’s performance. The Championship side showed resilience, particularly after Field’s equaliser, and made Palace work hard for their victory.
“We’re here to win matches, and today we didn’t,” Cifuentes admitted, reflecting on the disappointment of the result. “But the feeling was, despite the slow start, we can put pressure and challenge a Premier League side.”
Cifuentes commended his players for their fighting spirit, pointing out that they were ready to contribute and push a top-flight team to the limit. “I’m proud of the guys,” he said. “It showed they’re ready to contribute and fight for this club.”
A Night to Remember for Eze
For Eberechi Eze, this match was a reminder of his journey from QPR to Crystal Palace, a journey marked by hard work, perseverance, and undeniable talent. His return to Loftus Road was a triumphant one, capped off with a standout performance that sent a message to the football world: Eze is a star, and he’s only getting better.
As Palace advance to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, they do so with Eze at the heart of their success. And for the Eagles, having a player of his calibre in the team is a reason for optimism as they aim for silverware this season.
