Crystal Palace player ratings vs Lyon: Pino and Kamada impress as defensive lapses prove costly

Yeremy Pino and Daichi Kamada earn Palace’s highest marks after their goals threatened to rescue a result in a 3–2 Europa League defeat at Lyon.

Adam Wharton also provided moments of quality, but Palace left themselves too much to do on Pierre Sage’s return to his former club.

Ratings are provisional editorial assessments out of 10, based on published match reports and recorded incidents. NR means insufficient involvement to judge.

Crystal Palace player ratings vs Lyon

Walter Benítez — 6.5

Made important interventions, including a save from Abner’s header with Palace still chasing the game. Three goals conceded, but the close-range finishes left him exposed.

Chris Richards — 5.5

Nakamura got past him to create a dangerous first-half opportunity. Almost made amends with a late header which forced an excellent save from Dominik Greif.

Axel Disasi — 5

Played Šulc onside for Lyon’s decisive third. A costly lapse on his return to the starting line-up.

Jaydee Canvot — 5.5

Unfortunate when the corner ricocheted off his chest before Tolisso’s opener. Recovered to make an important block from Nuamah, preventing another close-range chance from becoming a goal.

Óscar Mingueza — 6

One of three players recalled by Sage. Won a free-kick during Palace’s improved second-half spell before making way for Anan Khalaili after 75 minutes.

Adam Wharton — 7

His first-time pass released Pino for Palace’s opening goal. Also delivered the late corner which Richards nearly converted. Palace’s most significant creative contributions from midfield came through their captain.

Quinten Timber — 6

Retained alongside Wharton and remained on until the 86th minute, when Sage introduced Dwight McNeil in pursuit of an equaliser. A more restrained assessment than his midfield partner, whose decisive contributions were clearer.

Tyrick Mitchell — 6

Involved in the corner routine which created Pino’s goal. Had earlier wasted a shooting opportunity, but contributed to Palace’s attacking response after the interval.

Ismaïla Sarr — 6

His first start of the season brought a threatening header and a dangerous second-half delivery. The handball decision against his header was contentious. Replaced by Kamada.

Yeremy Pino — 7.5

Palace’s best starter. Supplied Sarr’s first-half chance before finishing emphatically to make it 2–1. The official match statistics also credit him with three tackles, adding substance to his contribution beyond the goal.

Jørgen Strand Larsen — 5.5

An early deflected effort was held by Greif and he headed over from a Wharton corner after the break. Unable to provide the finishing touch before Nketiah replaced him.

Substitutes

Daichi Kamada — 7.5

Made his introduction count. Had a penalty appeal rejected before reacting sharply to a loose ball and scoring Palace’s second. Another goal after his contribution to the weekend victory over Nottingham Forest.

Eddie Nketiah — 6

Won the late corner which gave Richards a chance to equalise. A useful contribution during Palace’s final push, although he could not find a goal himself.

Anan Khalaili — 6.5

His burst down the right and cross started the sequence which led to Kamada’s goal. Offered a tangible attacking contribution after replacing Mingueza.

Darío Osorio — NR

Replaced Pino after 75 minutes; insufficient recorded involvement for a firm assessment.

Dwight McNeil — NR

Introduced after 86 minutes with little time to influence the result.