If you looked at the betting odds ahead of kick off, Crystal Palace were still clear favourites to win this season’s Conference League.
Yet if they don’t get their act together, Palace’s European journey may be over next week after a mediocre display against Bosnian side Zrinjski Mostar left their hopes of reaching the last-16 stage hanging in the balance.
Oliver Glasner’s side did at least draw this first leg tie, but they again struggled to break down a low-block in Europe, a recurring feature of this campaign – and were fortunate that referee Manfredas Lukjancukas chose not to give Zrinjski a late penalty despite being sent to the screen when Daniel Munoz appeared to handle the ball.
Palace were cumbersome in possession in a performance riddled with errors, not least when Adam Wharton – who later hit the crossbar – gave the ball away cheaply in the build-up to Karlo Abramovic’s equaliser after Ismaila Sarr had put the visitors ahead.
In fact, the Eagles were lucky not to lose, as Zrinjski had the best chances of the game.
This result will only increase the pressure on Glasner, whose side now have one win in 15 matches.
Crystal Palace were held to a 1-1 draw by Zrinjski Mostar in the Conference League
Palace fans made their frustration known towards boss Oliver Glasner following the game
Previous managers have been dismissed for less and there was an angry reaction at full-time from the away supporters, who chanted ‘we want Glasner out’ and ‘sacked in the morning’ towards him.
The Austrian’s decision to announce he is leaving this summer hasn’t been the liberating move some had hoped it would be – while it has also left a section of the fanbase infuriated – and there are questions to be asked of his tactics.
For one, a change of formation for games like this feels like a necessity heading forward.
Whatever the situation, Palace should have enough to beat a team who came 23rd in the League Phase, and if next week’s second leg doesn’t go to plan, Selhurst Park could turn toxic.
The Eagles have the quality to sort themselves out, but right now they are playing nowhere near like the favourites they are supposed to be.
