Crystal Palace spoiled Oliver Glasner’s return to Selhurst Park with a 3-1 comeback victory over Nottingham Forest, recovering from an early setback to leave their former manager enduring a frustrating afternoon against his old club.
Forest took the lead after just three minutes through Dan Ndoye, but Daichi Kamada equalised before half-time before Jefferson Lerma and Yeremy Pino completed the turnaround for Palace.
The result was a painful one for Glasner, who enjoyed a trophy-laden spell in south London before taking charge of Forest. His return had been shaped by the growing tension between the clubs, particularly after Forest were awarded Palace’s Europa League place following a UEFA ruling over multi-club ownership.
Despite the rivalry, Glasner and former Palace defender Daniel Muñoz received applause from home supporters before kick-off. The reception became less welcoming as the match progressed and Palace took control.
Forest made the perfect start when Anan Khalaili’s weak header back towards his goalkeeper allowed Ndoye to race through and finish beyond Walter Benítez.
Glasner’s side looked capable of extending their advantage during a dominant first half. Ndoye missed another opportunity, Muñoz failed to convert a promising chance, and Benítez produced a remarkable save to deny Liam Delap from close range after Morgan Gibbs-White’s effort had struck the crossbar.
Palace, however, turned the match around in the closing stages of the first half.
Kamada drew the hosts level in the 41st minute after Jørgen Strand Larsen flicked the ball into the path of Quinten Timber, who helped create the opening for the Japanese midfielder to score.
Lerma then put Palace ahead in first-half stoppage time, reacting to Adam Wharton’s corner to force the ball home and send the home supporters into the break in a far more positive mood.
Palace strengthened their grip on the contest shortly before the hour mark. Strand Larsen’s effort was saved, but Pino reacted quickest to convert the rebound and make it 3-1.
Forest continued searching for a way back into the game, with Chris Wood forcing another excellent save from Benítez late on, but the visitors could not find a second goal.
