“Magic” – Christian Benteke gives his verdict on Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze

Christian Benteke lauded his 22-year-old team-mate Eberechi Eze as “magic” following Crystal Palace’s 2-0 win over relegated Sheffield United.  

The Belgian international opened the scoring at Bramall Lane after just 67 seconds. The assist came from Eze, who cut his way through the centre of the Blades’ defence, muscling past Chris Basham and setting up Benteke inside the area.

When asked if his shot, which took a wicked deflection off George Baldock and looped over Aaron Ramsdale, was going in without interference, Benteke told PLP: “Yes. Yes, it was going in.”  

He added: “I think that when you play this type of game, sometimes you need a little bit of luck. We had two goals with some deflections, but we have to take them and move forward.”

Palace secured their ninth consecutive season in the top-flight, and Benteke’s goal contributions this season have gone a long way in helping the Eagles achieve safety.

The 30-year-old is currently the second top goalscorer within the club, just three behind Wilfried Zaha, who is on 10 for the campaign.

“It was important to get those three points this afternoon,” said Benteke. “We have played against some strong teams in recent weeks, and it was important to get back on track and get these three points.”

When asked if Palace, who had a total of 21 shots at Ramsdale’s net, eight of which were on target, needed to be a bit more clinical in front of goal, Benteke said: “Yeah. When we scored the first goal, the most important thing was to score the second one as quick as possible.  

“But, as you know, the Premier League is never easy. We lacked some composure in the last third.”

 Palace did eventually find their second of the match in the 88th minute, but this time it was down to a sublime solo run from Eze, who drifted between red and white shirts on his route to goal – with his deflected shot wrongfooting Ramsdale and bringing all three points back to Selhurst Park.