Jorgen Strand Larsen found the back of the net twice, guiding Crystal Palace to a comfortable 3-0 win over Middlesbrough and securing a place in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup. The Norwegian striker headed in a goal in each half, and a late strike from substitute Daichi Kamada completed the rout, highlighting Palace's efficient attacking play despite a match that was, for much of the time, dominated by the visitors.
From the outset, the game unfolded with both clubs making eight changes to their line‑ups, a decision that meant even the Championship side’s top scorer, Will Lankshear, was limited to a place on the bench. This forced Middlesbrough to rely on a collective effort rather than individual firepower, and ultimately they were unable to translate the pressure they applied into clear-cut chances. Crystal Palace, on the other hand, adopted a pragmatic approach. They settled into a compact shape, absorbing the waves of attacks that Middlesbrough generated and then looking to exploit the spaces that opened up on the break.
This counter‑attacking blueprint proved the blueprint for all three of Palace’s goals. The strategy required a disciplined defensive block, yet early moments exposed a degree of uncertainty. A moment of hesitation from Yeremy Pino resulted in a loose ball that sparked a Middlesbrough attack, while goalkeeper Walter Benitez, after collecting a cross, attempted a risky pass to Ben Chilwell that invited additional pressure on his own goal.
Middlesbrough’s own efforts were not without merit. Amario Cozier‑Duberry forced a save from Benitez, and a series of sustained periods of pressure saw the home side’s back line tested repeatedly. Palace responded with crisp passing movements, culminating in a shot from Pino that was blocked, and a subsequent effort by David Strelec that was saved, while Callum Brittain’s attempt was also turned away. In the goalmouth, Pino was denied by a sharp save from Palace keeper Sol Brynn, underscoring the fine margins that were at play.
Despite the Boro side’s greater possession, the first breakthrough came from a swift, well‑orchestrated Palace move. The ball was quickly shifted from the left to the right flank, where Oscar Mingueza delivered a precise cross into the box. Strand Larsen rose to meet the ball and nodded it home, catching the Middlesbrough defence off‑balance. The speed and accuracy of the finish left the visitors reeling and forced them to retreat to their own half, a pattern that would repeat throughout the second half.
The second goal arrived in a similar fashion. After a series of horizontal switches, Chilwell lofted a ball into the penalty area.
Once again, Strand Larsen timed his run perfectly, leapt above the defenders, and directed a powerful header into the net, extending Palace’s lead to 2‑0. This goal highlighted the effectiveness of Palace’s quick‑transition play and the aerial threat that Larsen posed to any defensive line. Middlesbrough continued to create chances, with Benitez ultimately denying Aidan Morris with a low shot that would have narrowed the deficit had it found the net.
However, the breakthrough for Palace came in the 75th minute when substitute Daichi Kamada found space on the break. Recognising the opportunity, Kamada lifted a well‑placed pass over Brynn, allowing the ball to settle in the net and seal a 3‑0 victory for the Eagles.
Post‑match, Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage reflected on his side’s performance: "We didn’t start the game well, but once we scored the first goal the team clicked. It was a collective effort, and we began to control the ball.
I wasn’t satisfied with our defensive work in the first half; we were vulnerable when the opponent played between the lines. We made the necessary adjustments at the break, and the second half was a marked improvement. Although we didn’t dominate possession, we were able to take our chances and finish the game positively." Middlesbrough’s boss Kim Hellberg offered a measured assessment despite the loss: "Losing 3‑0 is painful, especially when you feel you’ve created a good number of chances. Nevertheless, I’m proud of the performance we put in – a strong, 60‑minute display away from home against a Premier League side.
We had more moments in the attacking third, and while the quality of the opposition in those areas was superior, we showed that we can compete with top‑flight teams." Overall, the encounter showcased Crystal Palace’s ability to absorb pressure and strike efficiently on the counter, a tactic that will serve them well as they progress deeper into the Carabao Cup. Middlesbrough, while disappointed with the result, can take confidence from the fact that they were able to dominate large portions of the match and create chances against higher‑level opposition. The win also reinforces Palace’s growing reputation for tactical flexibility and clinical finishing, qualities that could see them become serious contenders as the competition moves forward.