Crystal Palace right-back Joel Ward failed to inspire against Vincent Kompany’s Burnley despite the Eagles running out 2-0 winners against Burnley.
The right-back is an experienced customer but he came up against Luca Koleosho, who tried to use his pace to give the experienced defender a tough first half.
He did just that and Joel Ward struggled to keep up with Koleosho and the Eagles nearly conceded just before half-time but Andersen pulled off a sensational tackle to stop a shot at goal from the exciting winger.
Despite this, the Republic of Ireland defender had a tough time of things and was replaced by Nathaniel Clyne with 70 minutes on the clock.
Ward’s struggles
The fans were a lot less kind to the 34-year-old defender who struggled for 70 minutes of the game before being replaced with the former Liverpool right-back.
One Crystal Palace fan, clearly frustrated with the Irish defender, said: “Fingers crossed that’s the last time we see Ward play for a while.”
Another frustrated fan said: “Joel Ward is getting rinsed every single time they get the ball out wide. Get him off before we concede!”
The South London Press rated the right-back at a lowly 4/10 for his rather poor performance and there have been calls for the experienced defender to be replaced by Clyne, who has looked more assured on the right side of the defence.
Replacement needed
You wonder, with the defender being 34, whether Roy Hodgson will begin to earmark replacements for the defender, perhaps someone who is slightly younger and more athletic than the experienced right-back.
Hodgson has a history of sticking to the more experienced players in the squad, but a new right-back must be high on the agenda.
Whether Palace will have the funds to sign a defender remains to be seen, but the issues needs to be addressed.
