I am absolutely thrilled to see us win again but that was a scrappy result which we were lucky to get. Not very positive sounding I know but there were no signs there that we have recovered form or got our attack co-ordinated. Pelle really is off colour, its like he has lost all influence in the game. He's rarely where he needs to be, lets defenders climb all over him without reacting, never gets the right side of defenders, everything is a quick flick on when he's furthest forwards. Spurns every chance and half chance. It all adds up to really poor performances. I really like the guy and know he can be a good striker for us but he is a long way off it now. He needs to be on the bench against chelsea because they will own him. Long will at least give them a hard time. On the plus side, we continue to do everything well in the middle and at the back. Duritchitch has got some real potential and Tadic came on with some enthusiasm and impact. Yoshida and Fonte were as reliable as ever bar one or two moments when they got caught out on the break. I'll be watching the Chealsea game through my fingers from behind the couch after that performance.
Just caught the end of 1st half on Sky...saw Forster drop a catch into path of a Palace player and Pelle miss a goal....so far so good
Your posts have sounded quite negative, but you have to remember that the difference between a good and a bad game can be fine margins. Palace beat West Ham 3-1 away at the weekend and had won their last five away matches. Tonight was a victory and once the confidence is back we will improve. Chelsea will be tough but it is a very different game to some of the ones we have struggled with before. Pelle may not be scoring but he has been important for keeping the ball away from home and his touches and vision is still decent despite his poor goal scoring form.
Just back from the game. How good does a win feel ! How good does a goal feel! Thought it was going to be same old story but thankfully we got that stroke of luck. Djuricic looks a real find too !
I'd start Long against Chelsea, as if we're to make Terry and Cahill struggle, it's more likely going to be against annoying and nippy than strong and relatively slow.
Oh you know who you mates are..... *stops telling everyone in France to Google Fable, because let's face it, I've more chance with Kylie*
It was a huge three points, and let's enjoy it. But we also have to be aware that this may have just been papering over the cracks. I think the criticisms tonight are as justified as compliments, so don't just disregard any negative comments simply because we won.
But it is amazing how much a bit of confidence does, just look at Liverpool, West Brom and our opponents tonight once you get on a run.
Sure, and I won't be gutted if GP starts as you just never know in this game. But on paper you'd imagine that a nippier strike force would serve us better, but the game is on grass, not paper, granted. And GP will score again at some point, why not Chelsea?
