FRANKS A LOT!
De Boer is grateful to McArthur
IT WaSn’T pretty but the frank de Boer era is finally up and running. The Dutchman recorded his first win as Crystal Palace manager when his team toiled to victory over ipswich in the Carabao Cup.
De Boer has James mcarthur to thank for his landmark triumph, the Scotland international firing home two sizzling goals — one with either foot.
This was not a night that will live long in the memory; but for De Boer it lifts a massive weight off his shoulders.
De Boer said: ‘Winning gives you confidence, it’s always nice to win but our game on Saturday against Swansea is more important. i’m very pleased with the spirit i saw.’
Palace made seven changes from the loss at Liverpool, while mick mcCarthy included six teenagers in his ipswich team. and mcCarthy’s kids were far from overawed by their more illustrious opponents.
indeed, the best Palace had to show for their opening 45 minutes was a mcarthur free-kick that was kept out by Dean Gerken.
Sullay Kaikai forced Gerken into another stop soon after the restart with a low drive which the ipswich keeper tipped round the post.
But still the chances were few and far between for the eagles. De Boer introduced andros Townsend in a bid to inject some life into his team in the 56th minute.
ipswich, however, continued to hang in there and Bersant Celina, on loan from manchester City, was starting to cause Palace a few problems. eventually, though, the home side’s experience told as mcarthur picked up a loose ball in midfield and drove forward with intent.
His well- executed touch inside and exquisite, curling, left-foot shot put Palace ahead in the 76th minute.
You could sense the relief all round Selhurst Park.
Jason Lokilo missed two excellent chances to score a debut goal, one saved and the other striking Gerken’s near post.
But mcarthur doubled Palace’s lead with another fine strike — this time with his right foot — before Celina grabbed a late consolation for ipswich.
mcCarthy paid tribute to his academy stars, saying: ‘i’m proud and they should be proud of themselves.
‘Some have surprised people and i think some could contribute to the first team.’