Eberechi Eze Misses Palace’s 1–0 Triumph Over Fredrikstad

Crystal Palace marked their first-ever major European night with a narrow 1–0 victory over Norway’s Fredrikstad in the UEFA Conference League play-off first leg at Selhurst Park on Thursday, August 21, 2025. Jean-Philippe Mateta’s second-half finish made the difference, but the story of the night was Eberechi Eze’s late withdrawal.

Why did Eberechi Eze pull out?

Eze was named to start, but called Oliver Glasner on the morning of the game to say he wasn’t well enough to play. Multiple reports described the absence as illness-related amid an imminent transfer to Arsenal, with a deal reported in the £60–67.5m range. Glasner said he is now planning without Eze.

ESPN: Glasner revealed Eze phoned in unwell on matchday and “won’t play for us again,” with Arsenal agreeing a fee plus add-ons.

The Times: Eze withdrew due to illness as Arsenal moved to complete the transfer.

The Guardian match report also framed the night as Palace “beginning life without Eze.”

Match review: Palace edge a historic first leg

Score: Crystal Palace 1–0 Fredrikstad
Goal: Mateta 54′ (redirecting Will Hughes’ half-volley from close range)

Palace controlled territory but found Fredrikstad’s low block stubborn before the break. Key first-half moments included Mateta striking the post and Ismaïla Sarr seeing a header cleared off the line. After halftime, Palace upped the tempo: Marc Guéhi’s deep cross should have been finished by Justin Devenny, and soon after Hughes’ skidding volley was deftly helped in by Mateta for a landmark first European goal in the club’s history. Daniel Muñoz later hit the outside of the post, while Fredrikstad threatened a late equaliser through Henrik Skogvold in stoppage time.

Neutral outlets concurred on the pattern: territorial Palace pressure, limited clear chances, and Mateta providing the edge.

Second leg: Thursday, August 28, 2025, in Norway, with progression to the Conference League league phase on the line.

What Eze’s absence (and likely exit) means for Crystal Palace

Without Eze’s ball-carrying and final-third craft, Palace created via width, set pieces and volume rather than incisive central combinations. Expect Glasner to lean on Adam Wharton for progression, with Sarr/Mateta running channels and full-backs (Muñoz/Sosa) pushing high to stretch compact blocks.

Transfer-market urgency

Club leadership has acknowledged the need to back Glasner post-Eze, with recruitment required to replace creativity and maintain depth (especially with European commitments). Reports indicate Palace will act following Eze’s Arsenal move (fee up to ~£67.5m).

Squad depth and academy pathways

Glasner turned to Justin Devenny to start; Odsonne Édouard also featured off the bench. With European and domestic fixtures piling up, minutes could expand for young attackers unless reinforcements arrive promptly.

Second-leg approach

With only a one-goal cushion and an away tie ahead, Palace must manage transitions better and be more clinical. Fredrikstad showed late counter-threat; game state management in Norway will be critical.