Halmstads 1-6 Crystal Palace: Eagles produce six of the best in Sweden

Crystal Palace stepped up their preparations for the new Premier League season with a dominant 6-1 win on their pre-season tour of Scandinavia.

Now in Sweden, the Eagles hit Halmstads for six as Roy Hodgson's side showed no signs of struggle, despite the absence of star man Wilfried Zaha due to a 'family matter'.

Christian Benteke opened the scoring before a brace from Patrick van Aanholt and further strikes from Sully Kaikai, James McArthur and Jason Puncheon capped off a fine performance for the Premier League side.

+8

Crystal Palace put on a dominant performance in Sweden as they put six past Halmstads

+8

Defender Patrick van Aanholt netted a first half brace as the Eagles raced into a 4-1 lead

 

+8

Boss Roy Hodgson was given a bunch of flowers ahead of kick-off at the Orjans Vall stadium

+8

Andros Townsend was a menace for the hosts as they struggled to contain his pace first half

+8

The match was a special one for Hodgson as it was against the side he managed between 1976 and 1980 - his first senior job as a manager.

But the 70-year-old's current side showed no sign of sentiment as they took the lead on 13 minutes when a fizzed in ball from Andros Townsend was collected by Benteke who, after shuffling past two defenders, slotted past Malkolm Nilsson in goal.

That would prove to be the Belgian striker's final contribution at the Orjans Vall stadium, however, as he was withdrawn having picked up a knock. Palace begin the new league campaign away to London rivals Fulham in 26 days time.

Halmstads struggled in the early exchanges to cope with Palace's intensity but they found a near-instant response to Benteke's opener through midfielder Pontus Silfver.

 

+8

With the match taking place in glorious sunshine, Hodgson opted for a pair of sunglasses

+8

Replacing an injured Benteke, young striker Sully Kaikai got himself a goal in the first half

+8

It was a strong end to the Scandinavian tour as the club now return ahead of the new season

That proved the only moment to celebrate for home fans as the Londoners turned on the style with van Aanholt taking the game away from the Swedes with two goals in two minutes before the break.

Hodgson's men were relentless. Van Aanholt's double proved not to be the last damaging blow before the interval as 22-year-old substitute Sully Kaikai got himself on the scoresheet with a stunning strike from range on his right foot.

Changes were aplenty in the second half as Hodgson looked to freshen up his side and lighten the risk of injury.

But whoever was on the pitch for the visitors, goals continued to flow as midfielders James McArthur and Jason Puncheon capped off a fine performance in western Sweden.

source: Daily Mail