Michael Olise stars again for Crystal Palace as they breeze past Hartlepool United and into the fifth round of the FA Cup.
Michael Olise produced yet another scintillating display for Crystal Palace against Hartlepool United, helping the Eagles to a 2-0 victory in the FA Cup fourth-round fixture.
Olise carried forward his impressive form from the game versus Millwall in the previous round to register a goal and an assist against Hartlepool. All the magic from the Londoners came in the first half, with the second period being largely dour and subdued as Patrick Vieira chose a more pragmatic approach to the game.
There was no match in terms of quality on the pitch, with Hartlepool showing signs of a struggle early on in the game. Olise won a free-kick and delivered a brilliant ball for Marc Guehi to head in and break the deadlock. The visitors then showed character and looked threatening, only for Palace’s No. 7 to seal the deal.
In the 22nd minute, Olise latched on to Conor Gallagher’s pass and cut inside to shoot past the keeper to double Palace’ lead. The London side did not add to their first-half goals but ensured that their visitors did not pose any threat, as they found safe passage into the next round of the competition.
Here’s how the Crystal Palace stars fared during their comfortable victory over Hartlepool United.
Jack Butland – 6/10
Butland had a comfortable outing as he wasn’t tested too much. When he was called upon, the keeper made smart saves to preserve his clean sheet.
Joel Ward – 6.5/10
Ward had a productive game from right-back, as the Hartlepool defence found it hard to contain his runs from the flank. He did a fine job defensively as well, making five ball recoveries.
Martin Kelly – 6/10
Kelly’s experience came in handy as the defender came out on top in his battle with Omar Bogle. The centre-back was solid presence throughout the contest, making sure that the visitors did not get a sight at goal.
Marc Guehi – 7.5/10
Marc Guehi has 4 goals in his past 13 games for club and country.
He’s won 100% of his ground duels in 12 different games this season ?
A do-it-all centre back. pic.twitter.com/klp5XjjNQ3
— Matchday365 (@Matchday365) February 5, 2022
Guehi will be happy with his performance after a goal and a clean sheet to show for his hard work. The former Chelsea defender produced a good finish from Olise’s cross early in the game, while his defensive work was astute throughout.
Tyrick Mitchell – 6/10
The left-back was less adventurous than Joel Ward on the opposite flank. Primarily focusing on his defensive work, Mitchell did a solid job of keeping things tight. But considering Palace’s superiority on the day, he could have tried to get forward more regularly.
Conor Gallagher – 7/10
Gallagher kept the midfield area busy and the Hartlepool players on their toes at all times with his fantastic display. The Chelsea loanee put in a dynamic performance and got a tidy assist for the second goal.
Luka Milivojevic – 6.5/10
Milivojevic’s clever reading of the game and distribution gave Palace the control they needed in midfield. He was a calm presence in the central areas and was key to the team’s progressive display on the ball.
Jeffrey Schlupp – 6.5/10
Schlupp had a busy evening on the pitch as he put in an energetic display from the left side of the midfield. He often found himself dictating play from deep zones, doing so with good effect.
Michael Olise – 9/10
A top-notch performance from Olise, who is truly becoming Palace’s FA Cup hero. He followed up on his performance against Millwall with another game-changing display to down Hartlepool. A goal and an assist later, the teenager now is hitting top form, slowly becoming a key part of Vieira’s plans.
Jean Philippe Mateta – 4/10
There could have been more goals from the forward line had Mateta put in a meaningful performance. Compared to his teammates, his display was lacklustre and to add to the misery, he missed a chance from two yards out.
Eberechi Eze – 7/10
It was Eze’s best performance since his comeback from injury. His creative output was visibly much better and he always kept the Hartlepool defenders on their toes. His gameplay on Saturday had plenty of grace and elegance.
Substitutes
Will Hughes – 5.5/10
Hughes came on to shore up the midfield as Palace looked to see the game out and maintain their comfortable lead.
Odsonne Edouard – 5/10
He surely wouldn’t have missed from two yards out, but after replacing Mateta he failed to provide any viable threat.
Nathaniel Clyne – 5/10
Vieira had one eye on the next Premier League fixture and took off Ward to give Clyne some minutes.
Christian Benteke – 5/10
A cameo appearance for the giant forward which did not amount to much.
Tayo Adaramola – 5/10
He got some valuable minutes under his belt with the game already won.
