Brennan Johnson admitted his frustration after Crystal Palace were held to a goalless draw by AEK Larnaca in the first leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League clash at Selhurst Park.
Despite enjoying spells of attacking momentum, Palace were unable to find the breakthrough against a disciplined Larnaca defence that has now conceded just once in seven matches in the competition this season.
As the final whistle sounded, the tie remained finely balanced at 0-0 ahead of next week’s decisive return leg in Cyprus.
Johnson, who started on the right flank in place of the injured Daniel Munoz, was one of Palace’s brightest attacking outlets throughout the night.
The winger repeatedly threatened the visitors with dangerous crosses and set-piece deliveries, yet the Eagles were unable to turn their pressure into goals.
Speaking after the match, Johnson acknowledged the disappointment of not taking advantage of home ground.
“Yeah, the feeling is definitely disappointment,” Johnson told TNT Sports.
“It wasn’t a game with loads of chances, but we thought we had a couple that we were unlucky not to score, and it would have been nice to get the lead; then, you don’t know where the game goes.
“But overall it’s disappointment. It’s tough to look back at the game straight after and see what the problem was with creating.
“At the end of the day it’s 0-0, we can’t have our heads too low, because next week we’ve got a big game – and one that we’ll be ready for.
“To be honest, we’re in the exact same position as we were going into this game. Even though it’s two legs, I feel like we’ll look back and see what we can do better this game.
“But at the end of the day, we’re going into the next leg at 0-0, all to play for. We’re confident, we know what we can do and we know what we have to execute better.”
Throughout the encounter, Larnaca’s defensive organisation proved difficult to break down.
The visitors, marshalled by goalkeeper Zlatan Alomerovic, frustrated Palace for the second time this season with another resolute display.
Johnson acknowledged the challenge posed by the experienced Cypriot side.
“They’re an experienced team, they’ve got players who know their roles and know what they had to do tonight, and I think it was the same as when they came here last time: they made it difficult and then [last time] they scored on the counter-attack.
“We were definitely better on the transition [tonight], we didn’t give them any chances, but it was just the creating side of things which was a disappointment, because we wanted to get a lead going into next week.”
The Welsh international also reflected on adapting to a slightly different role in the team following his arrival at the club.
“It’s a bit different! Coming to Palace, just with the system, all the positions are different for me to be honest.
“I enjoyed it. I’m happy to be on the pitch trying to help the team, and just give it my all. I think there’s similarities to what I’ve done previously in my career.
“The Manager was really good and helped me through the game tonight. Wherever they need me to play, I’m happy to do so, because it’s a real honour to play for this club.”
With the tie still wide open, Palace will now shift focus to the second leg in Cyprus, where one decisive moment could determine who advances to the next stage of the competition.
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