In Focus: Odds-on Edouard to be Palace's main man this season

Odsonne Edouard's form has been a highlight of Crystal Palace's season.

The striker took his Premier League tally to six goals in last Sunday's draw at West Ham, to equal his best-ever top-flight return.

In a team which has scored just 14 times in 15 matches, that represents a commendable output from the Frenchman.

Ahead of today's clash with Liverpool, we take a closer look at Edouard's recent performances.

Focal point

Edouard made an excellent start to the 2023-24 campaign, scoring five times in his first six appearances across all competitions.

He has not been able to maintain that level of consistency, however, netting just twice more since late September.

But he remains a key man for Palace, who have been hit with several injuries and have struggled for creativity in the final third.

And with a Premier League xG of 6.05, Edouard is performing as expected in front of goal.

He rarely misses glaring opportunities, while his finishing ability has often been the difference for Palace in tight games this term.

After Edouard, Eberechi Eze and Joachim Andersen are the Eagles' next top scorers in the Premier League with just two goals each.

That suggests Palace would be struggling even more without their No22, which will concern boss Roy Hodgson amid rumours of a possible January exit.

Stepping stone

Edouard's recent comments will not have completely reassured Palace fans, with regards to a potential move away next month.

He said: "My goal is to finish with the most amount of goals possible in the Premier League.

"I want to score every weekend before, why not, hoping for a new challenge by knocking on the door of the biggest European clubs.

"For now, I am in the Premier League. I like life in England, I like the league. The ideal objective would be to stay in the Premier League.

"But I am an open person. I have already moved around quite a bit since the start of my career.

"But my goal is really to be in the biggest teams in Europe.

"That comes by scoring lots of goals, performing every weekend — in summary, putting in good performances with Crystal Palace."

Edouard has been linked with West Ham, having scored against the Irons on Matchday 14.

The 25-year-old clearly has big ambitions — and Palace will need to grow with him if they hope to keep one of their star players.

High standards

There is more still to come from Edouard, who is not yet the finished article.

To reach his personal targets he will need to hit new heights, even in a Palace side that struggles to create chances.

Speaking earlier this week, Hodgson said: "I'm pleased for him [Edouard]. I'm pleased for the team but we think he's got the ability to give us a lot more.

"As a forward you need that creative influence around you to make certain the ball is set up for you.

"I think we're doing better in that respect. I think we will give him more chances and I believe that when we give him the chances, he will score them."

Palace will hope they can provide for Edouard, when they take on title challengers Liverpool at Selhurst Park this afternoon.