Filling the gap left by Eberechi Eze was always going to be a tall order. Eze left Crystal Palace for Arsenal this summer after 169 appearances in all competitions, scoring 40 goals and providing 28 assists, including a memorable FA Cup strike at Wembley that delivered Palace's first major trophy. But Senegal forward Ismaila Sarr has stepped up impressively, already scoring eight times in 15 appearances this season.
Sarr's brace on Thursday secured a 3-1 victory over AZ Alkmaar and gave Palace their first Conference League win at Selhurst Park, reinforcing their status among the tournament favourites. The 27-year-old posed a constant threat with his pace, clever movement and link-up play with Jean-Philippe Mateta.
He rattled the post early on and then won a penalty after being brought down in the area, though Mateta's spot-kick was saved. Sarr saw a header brilliantly denied but reacted quickly to bundle the ball over the line just before half-time. He completed his double after Mateta set him up to charge through and slide a composed finish past the keeper.
Former Palace defender Joel Ward praised Sarr's form, noting his pace, composure and ability to exploit space when the bal
