Jorgen Strand Larsen delivered a double‑header that secured Crystal Palace’s passage into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, sealing a 3-0 triumph over Middlesbrough at Selhurst Park. The Norwegian striker found the back of the net once in each half, first with a well‑timed header that completed a swift left‑to‑right move, and later with another aerial finish after a lofted cross from Ben Chilwell. The final goal came from substitute Daichi Kamada, who lofted a precise pass over goalkeeper Sol Brynn to tap in the decisive third.
The match unfolded as a lively contest dominated by the Championship side, yet Palace’s tactical discipline and counter‑attacking efficiency ultimately proved decisive. Middlesbrough entered the game with eight changes, including the bench‑warming of Championship top scorer Will Lankshear, but the alterations left them lacking the firepower needed to fully exploit the opportunities they created in the final third. Palace, on the other hand, adopted a patient, absorb‑and‑strike approach.
They allowed Middlesbrough to press forward, then looked to hit on the break whenever space opened. This strategy demanded a solid defensive foundation, but early moments were shaky. Yeremy Pino’s errant clearance gifted Boro a quick transition, and goalkeeper Walter Benitez attempted a risky pass to Ben Chilwell, inviting further pressure.
Amario Cozier‑Duberry’s early shot was comfortably saved by Benitez, and after a spell of sustained pressure from the visitors, Palace began to find rhythm through crisp passing sequences that eventually forced a Pino shot to be blocked. Middlesbrough continued to threaten, with David Strelec turning and shooting, and Callum Brittain adding a further attempt. Yet each time the ball found the Palace goal, Sol Brynn produced a sharp save, keeping the score level for a considerable period.
The home side’s right flank, anchored by Cozier‑Duberry, remained a focal point, and his frequent forays produced several near‑misses, the most notable a shot that drifted just wide of the post. The breakthrough arrived when Palace executed a rapid interchange, sweeping the ball from the left to the right. Oscar Mingueza delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, where Strand Larsen rose above his marker and headed the ball past Brynn. The speed and precision of the move caught Middlesbrough off‑guard, and the goal shifted the momentum in Palace’s favour.
Buoyed by the lead, Palace continued to exploit the flanks. In the second half, a similar pattern unfolded: the ball was switched quickly from side to side, culminating in a Chilwell lofted cross that met the leaping Strand Larsen for his second header of the game, extending the lead to 2-0. Middlesbrough’s defense, still reeling, struggled to contain Palace’s swift transitions, and despite a few promising forays—Benitez denying Aidan Morris with a low save—the visitors could not find a way through. The final goal materialised when Kamada, introduced as a substitute, sensed a moment to strike on the counter.
He lifted the ball over Brynn with composure, sealing a 3-0 victory that underscored Palace’s clinical edge. Crystal Palace manager Pierre‑Sébastien “Pierre” Sage reflected on the performance: “We didn’t start well, but after the first goal we found our rhythm. It was a collective effort. In the first half our defending was not up to the standard we expect, especially when they played between the lines.
We made adjustments at half‑time, and the second half was noticeably better. We didn’t dominate possession, but we were effective and I’m proud of the players.” Middlesbrough’s boss Kim Hellberg praised his side despite the loss: “Losing 3‑0 is never easy, especially when you’re the ones missing the goals. However, I think we gave a strong performance away from home against a Premier League team. We created more chances than they did, but their quality in the final third was decisive.
It’s rare for a Championship side to control a game against top‑flight opposition, and in many respects we did that today.” The encounter highlighted Palace’s ability to blend defensive resilience with swift counter‑attacks, a formula that will serve them well as they progress further in the cup. For Middlesbrough, the experience against higher‑level opposition offers valuable lessons and a benchmark for future improvement. The win also propels Palace into the next round, where they will look to build on their momentum and continue their cup run.