Ten Hag analyses Weghorst's debut

Our newest January addition was given the nod from the off at Selhurst Park, where he was deployed as a sole striker and the main focal point of our attack.

Often seen dropping deep into tight pockets in and around the Eagles' backline, Weghorst's attempts to link up the play were soon rewarded, as Bruno Fernandes found time and space to lash home the opening goal just before the interval.

As he reflected on our new no.27's first outing for the club, the boss acknowledged that it could take time to adapt to the demands of the Premier League again, after Weghorst's time on loan in Turkey.

''It is not easy,'' began Ten Hag, when asked during his post-match press conference how he assessed Wout's debut.

''To come into a team who is in a [good] run and has [developed] a way of how to play over seven or eight months.

"Then you only have one game to look [at] and I don't think that, City, represents how we play, though it was great to be part of, from the inside and out.''

Given Anthony Martial was declared unavailable for the Palace game by the manager, Weghorst's second appearance for the club could swiftly follow, against current league leaders Arsenal at the Emirates this weekend.

''I thought it was the best choice, as he has a profile of a number nine and I thought he did well,'' added Ten Hag, explaining why the striker started at Selhurst Park.

''He had good link-up play and he made a good run for the first goal with a front-post run by taking two players out. He helped Bruno [Fernandes] be free.

''Also in [the] pressing, you can see it was a good debut.''.