April 20 2016

Julian Speroni

A weakened Crystal Palace side were comfortably beaten 2-0 away to Manchester United.

Palace boss Alan Pardew made seven changes to the team that drew with Arsenal last time out ahead of this weekend's FA Cup semi-final against Watford.

Julian Speroni made his first appearance of the season in goal and there were also rare starts for Adrian Mariappa, Martin Kelly and Lee Chung-yong.

Speroni made a number of vital blocks throughout the game but could do nothing to stop Damien Delaney's own goal after just four minutes when the centre half diverted Matteo Darmian's cross into his own net.

Anthony Martial, Wayne Rooney and Marcus Rashford had attempts thwarted by Speroni, who impressed despite his lack of match time this season. Emmanuel Adebayor's shot wide of the United goal was Palace's only effort in the first period.

After the break Speroni kept up his good form, pushing Juan Mata's strike over his crossbar. But the Argentine could do nothing to stop a brilliant, powerful shot from Darmian outside the area that went in off the post on 55 minutes. Speroni then showed he still is a class goalkeeper with more saves from Jesse Lingard and Rashford.

Pardew threw on fit-again James McArthur plus Jordon Mutch and Connor Wickham but the Eagles failed to register a shot on goal. With Premier League survival virtually assured, it was clear from this team selection and display that the focus is on Sunday's big FA Cup tie against Watford at Wembley.

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