One Crystal Palace star may struggle to remain in Oliver Glasner’s vision at Selhurst Park after his performance against Manchester City was overcast by one thing.
It’s been a difficult season for Crystal Palace, who are yet to secure back-to-back wins in the 2023/24 Premier League with only seven games left to play.
Since arriving in South London in February, Oliver Glasner has seen his side win on only one occasion as manager, despite there being notable progress in the short time that the boss has been at the helm.
While yesterday’s defeat to Manchester City came not so much as a shock for the Eagles, the theme of the hosts not being able to hold onto leads was evident once more, as the treble winner’s quality took the game far beyond the reach of Palace.
A number of players were impressive against Pep Guardiola’s side however, some were less applaudable, which could cause a future problem for one star.
Jordan Ayew had a difficult game against Manchester City
Sporting a six-year association with Palace, Jordan Ayew is a well-respected member of the squad for his work rate and attention to tracking back although, one key area to the 32-year-old’s game was missing against City.
In the first half, when Palace were creating an abundance of chances, the winger had the chance to score in a well-worked situation; however, blundered his opportunity.
For all the work that the Ghana international put in defensively, he lacked the cutting edge to ultimately make the difference in the fixture.
As per Sofascore, in the 74 minutes Ayew played, he recorded 20 touches as well as two shots off-target, seeing his numbers eclipsed by the return of Michael Olise.
With 16 minutes left to play, Olise replaced his teammate and instantly provided the impact Palace needed, recording two key passes, creating one big chance and recording 14 touches on the ball, just six fewer than Ayew, via Sofascore.
The struggles Jordan Ayew could now face at Crystal Palace
The issue that Ayew may find himself in is that Glasner will have undoubtedly been impressed by Olise’s cameo, as the Frenchman replaced Ayew on what was a frustrating afternoon for the Ghanaian.
Not only will the 22-year-old’s return likely reduce Ayew’s future game time this season, but could see him shifted out of the starting XI ahead of what will be a summer of change at Selhurst Park.
Earlier today, journalist Alan Nixon relayed information that Glasner is searching for ‘more athletic players’, hinting at the manager’s plans to rejuvenate his squad in the summer.
Olise will almost certainly return to the starting XI for the challenges ahead, which could leave Ayew as a bit of a spare part in the summer, at a time when the boss will make the necessary changes to his side.
The question must be asked as to whether the 32-year-old fits the demographic of player that Glasner is hunting in the transfer window, raising a potential warning over his future.
The City game was not the be-all and end-all of Ayew’s Palace career however, given Olise’s swift impact, the boss could begin to cut the former Swansea ace’s lifeline at a time that is crucial to impress.
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