Christian Benteke puts Crystal Palace in front against Middlesbrough with a back post header.
Christian Benteke was never a great fit for Liverpool, who didn’t play to his physical strengths. It seems he will feel more at home at his new club, Crystal Palace, and has already scored the sort of header with which he made his name.
Middlesbrough were perhaps unfortunate the goal stood given the way Benteke climbed over his marker, but it was a borderline decision at best — not that that will stop anyone from arguing about it.
That early goal will be a big boost to the Eagles, who have only scored one goal so far this season. Middlesbrough are generally a strong defensive team, but this goal should force them to take a more attacking stance.
The goal also presumably comes as a big relief to manager Alan Pardew, who was coming increasingly under pressure after a terrible finish to last season — and an especially terrible touchline dance in the FA Cup final — and a poor start again this time around.
Palace have plenty of talent; all they have really been missing is goals. If this is any indication, Benteke could be just the player they need. With Wilfried Zaha and Andros Townsend out wide, there will be no shortage of crosses for Benteke to attack. Loic Remy also arrived during the transfer window on loan from Chelsea, though he misses this game with injury.
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Palace have a relatively solid defensive record, so will be confident they can keep a clean sheet, but Alvaro Negredo and Stuart Downing both pose a serious threat. Negredo has a goal and two assists in his first three games for Middlesbrough this season, and if anyone is capable of getting them back in the game, it’s him. Game on.