Crystal Palace: Joe Thomlinson blown away by Joachim Andersen display in Arsenal defeat

Sky Sports contributor Joe Thomlinson has been blown away by the performance of Crystal Palace defender Joachim Andersen despite the club’s recent defeat.

On the opening day of the new Premier League season, the Eagles hosted Arsenal in front of their own fans but fell to a disappointing 2-0 defeat.

Gabriel Martinelli opened the scoring before Palace fought hard to try and get themselves back in the game, only for Marc Guehi to score an own goal later on to put the seal on a loss.

And while Patrick Vieira’s men come away from the game empty handed, Andersen was one individual able to leave with a sense of pride following his efforts.

Indeed, Thomlinson made a point of highlighting the centre-back’s display, writing on Twitter that he was ‘the best player on the pitch’.

He said: Joachim Andersen the best player on the pitch today…[William] Saliba obviously awesome too, but Andersen’s passing was actually ridiculous.”

TIF thoughts on Joachim Andersen and Arsenal…

It seems as though Thomlinson wasn’t the only one to be impressed by Andersen’s performance either. Indeed, while on commentary for Sky Sports, Jamie Carragher said (via Squawka) “He’s playing like Ronald Koeman!”

That claim is certainly backed up by stats from the game that show the defender had the most passes completed, most long passes completed, and most final third entries from any player across both sides.

Having started his Premier League career with Fulham, Andersen is now starting his second campaign with Palace and it looks as though he could be set for an impressive season if he can maintain this good form going forward. No doubt, he would have preferred a win, but the Dane has every right to be proud of his efforts on Friday night.