Crystal Palace’s Conference League campaign is hanging in the balance after a disappointing 1-1 draw in Bosnia & Herzegovina against Zrinjski Mostar, making it one win from 15 matches for Oliver Glasner’s side. The visitors were dominant, but they failed to make that dominance count, with Jorgen Strand Larsen starved for service while still leaving with his head held high.
Strand Larsen had a tough night in Bosnia, arriving at Crystal Palace for a club-record £48m deal at the end of the winter transfer window, having only scored once in the Premier League for lowly Wolverhampton Wanderers. The 25-year-old showcased his hold-up play to tee up Ismaila Sarr for the opener, but there’s no doubt it was a frustrating evening. While he took 32 touches, he failed to get a single shot away, albeit coming close to connecting with some clever runs into the area.
There’s no question that Strand Larsen is the real deal, a powerful and intelligent centre-forward who scored 15 goals in the English top flight last season. And it’s a good thing too, as Jean-Philippe Mateta is on the way out, only remaining at the club after his winter medical to AC Milan fell through.
With that in mind, Eddie Nketiah is in danger of being frozen out, and while Mateta is likely to leave the club during the summer transfer window, Palace flop looks like the new Nketiah. Nketiah, 26, joined Crystal Palace from Arsenal in a £40m deal in 2024. The striker played an important utility role at the Emirates, but moved to the Eagles for a greater chance of becoming a key focal point. However, it’s been tough for him, with only two starts in the Premier League and four goals in all competitions this season.
The bigger concern is Steve Parish and co might have repeated their same mistake with Brennan Johnson, who is struggling after his £35m move from Tottenham Hotspur in January. Johnson is versatile and dynamic, capable across the frontline, but he’s now nine games deep into his Crystal Palace career, and he’s not showing that they are getting bang for their buck at a time when sharpness is required.
On Thursday night, the Wales international flattered to deceive once again, unable to get a shot away and failing to complete either of his two attempted dribbles. His defensive work was commendable, winning a tackle and two duels, but he lost possession nine times despite only touching the ball 26 times, less than the isolated Strand Larsen at the spearhead.
Johnson didn’t have a great night against Zrinjski, but his performance since the start of last season in the Premier League presents a more concerning picture. Fans will be questioning why such a hefty figure was paid for a proven Premier League winger who’s thus far unable to influence in the final third, especially when Strand Larsen is already contributing.
In this, he might just be emerging as the latest Nketiah, moving from a top London club after being discarded, and failing to produce the goods. Johnson is still in the early stage of his Crystal Palace career, and at least there is clarity regarding Glasner, with a change of system and a new focus potentially benefiting Johnson and the wider club. But there’s no question he’s got his work cut out after a tricky start to life in south London, with it all to do.