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 ball is played in front of him. Ward highlighted how the team’s shape, with Mateta dropping deeper, creates openings for wide players and the number 10 to burst in behind defenders.
Manager Oliver Glasner called Sarr an important signing and commended his decisive runs and finishing. Glasner recalled similar types of finishes from Sarr in previous matches and praised the forward’s ability to create space for teammates through his pace.
Sarr, who arrived from Marseille in 2024 for about £12.5m after Palace lost Michael Olise to Bayern Munich, is approaching last season’s total of 12 goals across all competitions, having found the net four times in his last three outings. His early impact looks increasingly astute business, especially in a season when Palace also saw Eze depart.
The Conference League has been won by English clubs twice in the last three editions, and Palace are being mentioned among the contenders. After a surprise home defeat to AEK Larnaca in their previous match, Glasner said the win in front of the home crowd was welcome and hoped it would not be the last, praising the atmosphere and the team’s performance.
