Very much disagree. A couple of us went through this exercise last year: with that squad, how many of the players would be regular starters on at least a third of the teams in the PL? We came up with JWP, KWP and Salisu (Livramento if healthy), with Che and Romeu as the only other two possibilities. We had dross last year, and it's damned near miraculous that we had a purple patch that kept us safe, but that purple patch also led people to believe that the squad was more talented than it was. We've made positive strides in terms of turning over a squad that needed turning over, but there is definitely plenty of work to be done with the attack. Romeu was under contract. We could have just kept him. He wanted to go home.
@Lambertissier unlucky bud. Ralph & Diallo screwed you in the first half & Che in the 2nd. You really should be on your 4th game. Shame.
That it was an extended negotiation should have had the alarm bells ringing and our second choice should maybe have been approached. If a player drags it out he obviously isn’t sold on the idea of coming to us and is, imo, clearly waiting for a better offer.
It's the same on here every time we lose a game. We all know we lack a clinical striker so these games will happen. I'm disappointed but it's telling that Ralph got a reaction 2nd half. Players are still playing for him.
Not really Tom, you and others purr like cats in season if we win or avoid defeat, whereas I, and i expect others, still always thought Ralph needs to go. It’s not like we dont want him to succeed, of course we do, but it has been plain as the snozzle on your face he needs to go.
Or put it another way. Last week we had 5 points from 9, after Arsenal, so a projected return of 30 before today. After today, it's 5 from 12 possible points, so project that and it leaves me thinking 10 points from the remaining 23 games, giving us is a scenario I'd rather not contemplate of 22 points on the last day. Neither will the owners Id have thought.
So that’s at least six players who are good enough to walk into other squads. That’s a healthy number. Plus there are/were others who would be better under a decent manager; Stuie, Perraud, Broja, Redmond.
I love Che for his endeavour and fighting qualities, his ability to strong arm defenders, win the ball and hold it up, plus he has a good eye for a pass. I’m beginning to think that he is our version of Joelinton and might actually benefit from playing a deeper role. Obviously not something we could try now, but should we get the forward line sorted I wouldn’t mind seeing him being used in as the 1 in a 4-3-1-2.
Just going to mention that time, in the second half, when the camera locked onto Ralph, who was sat with his head down, rubbing a hand over his face. That wasn’t a good look. The players on the pitch won’t have noticed it, but those sat behind him will have and, imo, it doesn’t project a great image of someone being in control.
I got the impression from the expression that he is just frustrated and pissed off. I think he may walk soon as he is getting frustrated
Watch on Match of the Day and you might notice the goals Palace should have scored as well in the second half when we were dominating.
Interesting, did the bloke in charge instruct every player in our team to pass to the opposition, not sure he did. You can play any formation and any players, but if they can't pick a ten yard pass as a professional player not sure we can pin that in the manager. Second half with far better passing it is night and day. You could have a tactical genius in charge, but if players can not make a simple ten yard pass the result will be the same. Players were extremely sloppy in first half, got a rollicking at HT then were a lot better. Think it was more players rather than Ralph today
Sure, now I believe in the Cult of Ralph. Thanks for helping me see the light So, why was there a difference in the 2nd half opposed to the 1st half? Interesting is keeps on being the players, and never once the manager. What a crock of ****. So was the game v Arsenal the players, or the manager? Im genuinely confused with who is to praise just now. Did Ralph not have a week training with them to get ready for the first half, or was that someone else in charge of those 6 days since Arsenal? Yet in 15 minutes at half time, miraculously we were miles better, because of a bollocking. Right you are…
