Crystal Palace captain Adam Wharton described the 4-0 victory over Lech Poznan as a significant step forward, while acknowledging that the team still has work to do as several new players continue to settle in.
Speaking to TNT Sports, Wharton said Palace are working to develop their attacking patterns under a manager who wants the team to play high up the pitch. He highlighted the one-touch combinations on display and said the atmosphere at Selhurst Park helped drive the players on.
Wharton also reflected on the experience gained during last season’s European campaign. He said the tactical demands differ from the Premier League, but believes that knowledge will benefit Palace this season. Regarding a possible England call-up, the midfielder said it would be welcome but is not currently his focus with Palace playing every three days.
Jorgen Strand Larsen also spoke to TNT Sports after converting a penalty. The striker explained that, after missing his previous two spot-kicks, he was determined to take responsibility, even though his effort went higher than he expected. He added that Yeremy could have taken the penalty, but that all of Palace’s players are eager to make an impression on the supporters.
Larsen felt Palace could have scored even more against Lech Poznan, although he admitted Sunday’s match had been in the players’ minds. The result means Palace have kept a clean sheet in four of their last five home games in major European competition and remain unbeaten in their last seven European matches at Selhurst Park.
Palace were also three goals ahead at half-time for only the third time in the past 10 years, following previous Premier League examples against Norwich City in December 2021 and West Ham United in April 2024. The club have now converted their last eight penalties in all competitions, excluding shootouts, since Jean-Philippe Mateta’s missed effort against AZ in the Conference League in November 2025.
