Why Crystal Palace match-winner still isn’t happy – as Eagles boss gives injury updates on England pair

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DAICHI Kamada admitted he was “still not happy” despite scoring the winner against Aston Villa to send Crystal Palace into the last eight of the EFL Cup. 

Kamada took advantage of a sloppy pass by Diego Carlos to fire home in the 64th minute. 

The Eagles had gone in front through Eberechi Eze’s eighth-minute goal before Jhon Duran beat debutant goalkeeper Matt Turner in the 23rd minute. 

Japan international Kamada, 28, has scored two goals in twelve games for Palace, both in the EFL Cup. 

“Obviously, I’m happy to score for the team,” Kamada said on Palace TV. “But I’m still not happy with my performance. 

“I know I can play better. I think I was losing confidence, but I wanted to change myself and I think it was good for me.”

Kamada added: “I think we defended very well today. When we were high-pressing, we got many chances and I also got one chance.

“I love to play in the tournament, cup games. I have already scored a lot before [in tournaments] and today I also scored. I really want to play the final with this team, and I really want to make history for Palace.” 

There were two injury blows for boss Oliver Glasner. Kamada came on for Eze in the eighteenth minute and nine minutes later Adam Wharton was forced off and replaced with Jeffrey Schlupp. 

“Ebs, we don’t know exactly. He had problems with his hamstring, so let’s see how it is,” Glasner said. 

“And Adam, he felt his groin issues again. He has been dealing with this for many weeks or months now. We spoke yesterday and he said: ‘no, I’m fine and I can play.’

“During the game, the pain got worse and worse and so that’s why we had to take him off. But I’m positive that Adam will be available for the Wolves game. Ebs, well, let’s see.”

Glasner added: “It started quite well into the game with taking the lead, and then we had to make two subs within 25 minutes due to injuries.

“And it was difficult, because also then managing the game, we had just one more window for subs and we could see, to be honest, that the Tottenham game was still a little bit in the legs of the players, so we were not that fresh, but this is what we all expected.

“Then it was a great effort, where we scored a fantastic second goal, where it was in high press – winning the ball at the edge of the box. And Daichi [scored], I was pleased for him that he scored this goal.

“And then with a lot of passion and desire, we defended the lead. We didn’t give Villa many opportunities to score and so we are really happy to reach the quarter-finals.”

Palace have been drawn away to Arsenal with the tie to take place the week of December 16. 

EFL Cup quarter-finals:

Tottenham vs. Manchester United

Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace

Newcastle vs. Brentford

Southampton vs. Liverpool

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