Jorgen Strand Larsen delivered a double‑header that saw Crystal Palace cruise into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, securing a comfortable 3-0 win over Middlesbrough at Selhurst Park. The Norwegian striker found the back of the net once in each half, capitalising on swift wing play and precise crossing, while substitute Daichi Kamada added a third‑minute finish by lofting the ball over goalkeeper Sol Brynn.
Palace’s clinical edge proved decisive in a match that, despite being dominated in possession by the Championship side, ultimately swung in favour of the Premier League hosts. From the opening whistle, Middlesbrough entered the game with intent, fielding a line‑up that featured Championship top‑scorer Will Lankshear on the bench. Both teams made eight changes, indicating a willingness to rotate squads ahead of the congested fixture schedule. The Boro side, however, struggled to translate their early dominance into clear‑cut chances, often finding themselves thwarted by Palace’s disciplined defensive shape and quick transitions.
The first half saw Palace adopt a patient, counter‑attacking approach. After a tentative start, the home side settled into a rhythm of absorbing pressure and then exploiting the spaces left behind when Middlesbrough pushed forward. This tactical blueprint paid dividends in the 23rd minute.
A fluid move began on the left flank, with the ball being shuffled across the back line. Oscar Mingueza delivered a low, curling cross that found Strand Larsen making a well‑timed run into the box.
The Norwegian rose above his marker and nodded the ball past Brynn, giving Palace an early lead and forcing the visitors to chase the game. Middlesbrough responded by increasing the tempo, with midfielder David Strelec attempting a turn and shot that forced a save, while full‑back Callum Brittain tried to carve open the Palace defence with a low drive that was comfortably dealt with by the home goalkeeper.
Despite these efforts, Boro’s attacks were often disrupted by Palace’s quick interchanges and the occasional defensive lapse from Middlesbrough’s own back line. A notable moment came when Yeremy Pino, a midfielder for Palace, mishandled possession, allowing a Middlesbrough counter that saw Walter Benitez release a risky pass to Ben Chilwell. Chilwell’s involvement added a brief surge of pressure, but the ball was eventually cleared.
The second half continued the pattern of Palace sitting deep and striking on the break. In the 55th minute, a sweeping move again saw the ball travel from left to right, culminating in a lofted cross from Chilwell that met Strand Larsen’s head for his second goal. The striker’s timing and positioning were impeccable; he rose above the defense and powered the ball into the net, extending Palace’s lead to 2-0.
This goal underscored the effectiveness of Palace’s counter‑punching strategy, as Middlesbrough’s forward push left gaps that the hosts were quick to exploit. Middlesbrough never gave up, and the home side’s goalkeeper, Walter Benitez, produced a series of crucial saves, including a low effort from Aidan Morris that was tipped away.
Nevertheless, the Boro side could not find a breakthrough, and their frustration grew as Palace’s defensive unit remained compact and organized. The final blow came in the 78th minute when substitute Daichi Kamada, who had been introduced to add creativity on the wing, seized a moment on a quick break.
Spotting Brynn off his line, Kamada lifted a precise chip that floated over the keeper and settled in the net, sealing a 3-0 victory for Crystal Palace. Post‑match, Palace manager Pierre Sage reflected on the performance, acknowledging a sluggish start but praising the team’s collective response after the opening goal. “We didn’t play well at the beginning of the game and we started to play when we scored the first goal. It was a good collective action.
We controlled the ball at this moment. At the end, we scored. It’s a good sign.
During the first half, I was not very happy with our way of defending. We struggled when they played between our lines, but we corrected this during half‑time. It was better in the second half and we were able to score. We didn’t have possession, but they’re a good team.
I want to congratulate them, they played well,” he said. Middlesbrough’s boss, Kim Hellberg, offered a measured assessment despite the defeat.
“It’s always tough when you lose a game 3‑0 when it’s about scoring goals. But if you look at the performance, that was quite an impressive 60 minutes away from home against a Premier League side.
We got into a lot of good positions on the pitch, more than them, but their quality around those areas and what they did there was nice. There are very few teams that go to the Premier League sides and take control of the game, which I think we did.” The win propels Crystal Palace into the next round of the Carabao Cup, where they will look to build on their efficient counter‑attacking display. For Middlesbrough, the result offers a learning experience and a reminder of the fine margins that separate success from disappointment in knockout football. Both managers will now turn their attention to upcoming league fixtures, with Palace hoping to maintain momentum and Boro aiming to bounce back with a stronger showing in the Championship.
The match also highlighted the importance of squad depth in cup competitions, as both teams rotated heavily. Players like Strand Larsen and Kamada demonstrated the value of having quality options off the bench, while the tactical adjustments made by Sage at half‑time showcased the impact a proactive manager can have on the outcome of a game.
Overall, the encounter was a testament to the unpredictable nature of English cup football, where a Premier League side can be tested by a lower‑division opponent, yet still prevail through disciplined organization, swift transitions, and clinical finishing.