SAKA, ANTONY AND 10 PREMIER LEAGUE STARS HEADING TO THEIR FIRST WORLD CUP
Well, we don’t really know what to say about that.
It was so nearly the perfect performance, one almost unrecognisable to the Crystal Palace we’ve been watching for the last decade – perhaps for the last century, in fact.
Patrick Vieira’s game plan was spot on, and only individual errors from Jordan Ayew and Vicente Guaita let us down.
Nevertheless, despite that heartbreaking finale, there are plenty of reasons to be positive about last night’s 1-1 draw at Selhurst Park…
Ebere Eze and Michael Olise
At times last night, there was an ocean of space in the No.10 role behind Odsonne Edouard.
It was an area in which Ebere Eze and Michael Olise could’ve caused chaos, but unfortunately, this match came too soon for the pair.
Olise is yet to break into the side after two cameo appearances, whereas Eze is still continuing his recovery.
However, once both are in this set-up under Vieira, the team should go to another level – exciting stuff, to say the least.
Fortress Selhurst
After three Premier League games at Selhurst Park this season, we remain unbeaten.
Of course, some may feel we should’ve beaten Brentford in that 0-0 draw, although their impressive display against Liverpool now makes that result seem better.
Obviously, many more will say we should’ve beaten Brighton, and they’d be right.
Nevertheless, the fact we’re all getting upset with draws against decent sides proves we’re moving in the right direction under Vieira.
Thankfully, Selhurst Park is a fortress once again.
Learning curve
Having been at the game, it was interesting to see the reaction of our players when Neal Maupay lobbed Vicente Guaita.
Obviously, they were fuming, but even that sounds understating.
James McArthur squared up to Robert Sanchez, Joel Ward and Christian Benteke rushed in to back him, and there seemed a genuine anger at what had just happened.
As a result, you can be sure these players won’t want to experience that feeling again, and will be even more focused going into future stoppage time periods.
The future is bright – very bright.
