Jorgen Strand Larsen has admitted Crystal Palace are feeling a positive momentum as they close in on the UEFA Conference League final and a record Premier League points total.
The Norwegian’s 84th minute strike in the semi final first leg against Shakhtar Donetsk sealed a 3-1 win in Krakow. Ismaila Sarr and Daichi Kamada had also scored, meaning Palace take a two goal lead into next Thursday’s second leg at Selhurst Park.
But the 26 year old, signed from Wolves in January, was quick to warn against complacency.
“It was a tough away game; Brazilians dribbling, but we did really well,” said Strand Larsen. “On aggregate, it’s important to have a two goal lead instead of a one goal lead and we need to build on this momentum right now and keep on going.”
‘IT WAS A LUCKY MOMENT’
The striker admitted his goal wasn’t exactly textbook.
“It goes really quick. Your first thought is to get a good touch to finish it off, but it was kind of a lucky moment. I was under pressure, so I flicked it on to Daichi who did well to help me.
“Normally, you’re really tired in the 84th minute, so he could have just leave that ball, but he fought for it. He won it. Then he had me and Ish on each side, so he could just choose which one you wanted to.
“Ish opened the space for me, but my angle got a little bit tight, my touches weren’t perfect and then it was just about a fake shot and then get my chance. It was a great goal.”
‘WE’RE NOT GOING TO TAKE IT EASY’
Two goals up. One leg to go. Strand Larsen says there’ll be no slacking.
“We’ve done well, but there is one more game to go. We’re not going to take it easy next Thursday. We’re two goals up, but we know there’s another leg to be played.
“We’re just going to keep on doing the same things we’ve done up to now. We’re feeling really good and I’m glad to be here, because this is just a great place to be.”
SARR’S EARLY STUNNER ‘IT TOOK ME BY SURPRISE’
Ismaila Sarr opened the scoring with just 21 seconds on the clock. Strand Larsen admitted he barely had time to get comfortable on the bench.
“Oh no, not really. It took me by surprise,” he smiled. “But that just shows our quality. We were straight on it.
“I’m just pleased that we started off so well, because that gives us an easier game. They showed their quality coming back into the game, and then it was just for us to stay cool and come back and score two goals.”
KAMADA ‘HE TALKS MORE THAN YOU THINK’
Strand Larsen also had praise for Kamada, who restored Palace’s lead in the 58th minute before setting up the third.
“He scored quite a lot in training. I’m pleased to see him score now. He’s just a top player. He’s not there to score all the goals. You see when he sets me up on the third goal, that’s what he’s here for but if you can score goals as well, that’s just amazing.
“He talks more than you think and pretends his English isn’t that good, but he’s good in English.”
‘NO FEAR HERE’
This Palace side have played 15 Conference League games this season. It’s been a journey.
“We’ve been tested quite a lot now with really important games, and also in the Premier League every game is so tight, but we know about that now.
“Our squad is really mature and it’s really developing in the right direction. We’ve got a lot of good players and a really good harmony in the squad. We’re not scared of anything.
“We didn’t go into this game being scared of losing or scared of anything so I think that’s why we scored earlier as well: we took our chances and just went for it.”
BOURNEMOUTH NEXT THEN THE SECOND LEG
Next up for Palace is a trip down the south coast to face Bournemouth in the Premier League. The club are still aiming for a record points total.
“That’s what we learned over the last weeks and months: that we need to switch on and off quick,” Strand Larsen admitted.
“We need to switch a little bit off. We’re also human beings: we have families, we have friends, and we need to live our lives as well.
“What’s really important now is to stay in it, and on Sunday we go again. We’re not going to go a Premier League game and throw it away. We want to go and take three points and then do the same, and win, next Thursday.”
THE BOTTOM LINE
Palace are 90 minutes from a European final. They’re flying. The dressing room is together.
Strand Larsen is loving every second. And he’s right, this is a great place to be. But the job isn’t done yet. Not by a long shot.
