At around 4:49 in the afternoon yesterday, my mood turned from feeling content to being absolutely sickened. A late goal always hurts, but when it comes 30 seconds after the game is meant have finished, it can be soul destroying. I felt crushed and deflated: another game in which we have lost valuable points to poor refereeing. Having had time to reflect on yesterday’s matters, I have realised that there are some positives that can be taken from a game which we remained part of for large periods of time.
Firstly, I have to say what a wonderful player Scott Dann is. He has come straight into the side, but looks as if he has been here forever. That tackle he made towards the end was absolutely brilliant, and he is brilliant at winning headers too. I was a little upset to see Gabbidon ousted out the side, as he had done little wrong all season. But Dann is an improvement, and it is clear to see that he is a true leader as well. The fact that he said he so disappointed after the loss shows how much he cares about the club already.
Bolasie had an excellent game yesterday. Although in the past we have often been left disappointed with a lack of end product, his crossing was brilliant yesterday, and he was so unlucky not to score on more than one occasion. Yannick should be one of the first names on the team sheet every week, as his pace on the break is vital in a counter attacking team like ours.
On the other flank, the first choice winger is not so evident. Puncheon had an OK game yesterday, with some good skills and a couple of decent crosses. Personally, though, I would much prefer Thomas to be starting more games. Yes, he has been injury prone over the season, and his dive at Swansea was disgraceful, but he is the best crosser in the side. We need some good balls into the box for Muzza, Jerome and Chamakh to get their heads on.
KG and Jedi had much better games than last week. KG was unlucky with his shot in the first half, but it was an extremely tight angle, and the keeper did well. Jedi didn’t get forward as much yesterday, which was good as he didn’t make any stupid mistakes, and had a much more composed game. These two need to stay in the team. Putting Guediora or O’Keefe in would just upset the balance of the team. Plus, I can’t really think of anything good that Guediora did yesterday.
We need to learn from yesterday’s harsh result, and always keep on fighting until the final whistle. For periods of the game we were the better team, but we just need to take advantage of good spells of play and score a goal. We haven’t scored in 513 minutes of open play, a disappointing statistic. Chelsea come to Selhurst Park next week, on the back of just beating Arsenal 6-0. I’m not expecting much from the game, but let’s home there is no last minute heartbreak like yesterday.
Up the Palace.
The 1905 