Crystal Palace Aims for Victory Against Everton Amid Unbeaten Streak

Crystal Palace heads to Everton on March 15, 2024, buoyed by a club-record unbeaten streak of 19 matches. The team has not faced defeat since April 16, 2023, and recently marked their first-ever European match with a solid 2-0 victory against Dynamo Kyiv in the UEFA Conference League. Despite their impressive run, manager Oliver Glasner emphasizes that maintaining the streak is not the team’s main focus.

Glasner, who led Palace to FA Cup victory last season, remarked, “All the credit to the players, because they have to perform on the pitch and they have to work so hard that we can get these results.” He added that discussions about the unbeaten run are not part of their strategy. “The approach is the same. We don’t go to Everton saying ‘let’s just extend the run’, we go there and will try to win.”

The London club’s recent performance has been remarkable, including a significant win against Premier League champions Liverpool, handing them their first defeat of the season. This victory propelled Palace to third place in the league table. While the unbeaten streak is the longest in Europe’s top five leagues, with 28 goals scored and only 12 conceded during this period, Glasner remains focused on the upcoming challenge rather than the statistics.

Historical Context and Upcoming Challenge

Palace’s previous longest unbeaten run lasted from February to August in 1969, when they went 18 matches unbeaten before losing to Everton. Glasner hopes history will not repeat itself as his team prepares to face the Merseyside club, which he acknowledges has been competitive. “I don’t think Everton have struggled,” Glasner noted, referencing their recent draw against West Ham and a narrow loss to Liverpool.

He also highlighted Everton’s recent signings, including Jack Grealish, calling him “a great player, a fantastic dribbler” who is among the top creators of chances in the league. Glasner’s respect for Everton underscores the challenge awaiting Palace as they aim to extend their unbeaten run and secure a vital away victory.

As Crystal Palace continues its remarkable journey, the upcoming match against Everton will be another test of their mettle and a step toward further establishing their position in the league. With a focus on winning rather than preserving a streak, the team is set to approach the game with confidence and determination.