Jeffrey Schlupp, who scored one of the goals in Crystal Palace’s 4-3 win over West Ham United on Saturday, explained their recent brilliant form in front of goal.
After the game, Schlupp told Palace TV that the team played well and dominated the game, despite the close scoreline.
He also mentioned the freedom given by the coaching staff to express themselves, use their flair and pace, and frighten opposing teams.
“It was crazy. It was a weird game, because we actually felt like we dominated the game to be honest, and you find yourself scrambling in the last five minutes!
“Personally [I thought], as a team, we played really well and dominated the game. You know they’re going to be a threat from set-pieces so we knew what we had to deal with, but I feel like we deserved the three points. It was a good performance.
“You can tell there’s some freedom in there. The coaching staff want us to express ourselves. We’ve got a lot of flair and pace, and we’re really using that. We’re frightening teams – and we want to keep that going.
Schlupp added that he likes to use his attributes, such as dragging the ball, using his pace, and running at the defense. With Cheick Doucouré at the back, they can patiently build through the back and midfield to get Schlupp and Ebere Eze in the pockets. Once they get turned and running at the defense, Schlupp believes that no defense in the Premier League wants to see that.
“Every time I play I want to use my attributes. I think that’s dragging the ball, using my pace, getting in the pockets and turning and running at the defence. I feel with the boys, like Cheick [Doucouré], at the back, we’ve got the patience to build through the back and onto the midfield and get me and Ebs [Eze] in the pockets.
“Once we get turned and running at the defence, I don’t think any defence in the Prem wants to see that! We’re doing that well at the moment, playing with lots of confidence, and we want to keep that going.”
Crystal Palace’s recent success has given them confidence, and Schlupp hopes they can keep that going.