Wigan Athletic 2-1 Crystal Palace
Posted: January 27, 2014 Filed under: News, Previews/Reviews Leave a commentThe FA Cup holders Wigan had their Oman international goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi to thank for this victory that took Uwe Rosler’s Latics through to the fifth round of the competition. Crystal Palace boss Tony Pulis named a surprisingly strong squad for the tie despite crucial Premier League matches on the horizon, but despite this they still fell to their Championship opponents.
The Eagles started the brighter with on-loan Stoke City striker Cameron Jerome attempting a curling right footed effort from the edge of the area, after fine build up play down the right between Jason Puncheon and Chamakh. Al-Habsi in the Wigan goal though came to the rescue with a fine stop to turn it round the post, and it wasn’t to be the first time today that the Latics number one would foil the Palace attack.
A short while later, again after neat work down the right from Chamakh, Stuart O’Keefe found himself with a similar chance to Jerome, only to miss-hit his shot straight at the keeper. Then came the sucker punch for the visitors, as the home side broke away down the left with James McClean who made it all the way to the by-line before pulling it back for the onrushing former Eagle Ben Watson to side foot home to give the home side a 1-0 lead going into the break.
Shortly after the restart Pulis’s men continued their onslaught on the Latics goal with Al-Habsi again being forced into a sublime double save. Firstly the Wigan stopper scooped out Barry Bannans direct corner, before acrobatically turning over Puncheon subsequent volley. It was from a similar corner however that Palace would level it up. Bannan’s whipped in near post delivery eluded two Palace players before finding its way to Aaron Wilbraham who prodded home, from all of four yards, for just his second ever goal for the South Londoners.
Palace continued to push for the winner as full time approached. Substitute Dwight Gayle broke after a Wigan corner and ran fully 70 yards only to be denied by another fine Al-Habsi save down low to his left. It was to be a crucial stop, as late on the home side scored what would turn out to be the winning goal. Roger Espinoza played in the dangerous McClean who this time cut inside palace full-back Mariappa and slotted a left footed shot past Palace goalkeeper Julian Speroni to send Rosler’s men into the fifth round.
Match Preview – Wigan Athletic Vs. Crystal Palace
Posted: January 24, 2014 Filed under: News, Previews/Reviews Leave a commentThe Eagles come into Saturdays FA Cup fourth round tie with current champions Wigan Athletic off the back of a moral boosting 1-0 victory at home to stoke last Saturday, however with another crucial relegation tussle to come Tuesday evening against Hull City, it is likely Tony Pulis may feel the need to rest several key players.
Pulis has no fresh injury concerns, so with the exception of long term absentees Glenn Murray and Jack Hunt he has a full squad to select from. Club captain Paddy McCarthy could be in line for his first Palace start in over a year, after successfully completing 90 minutes for the development side midweek. Stuart O’Keefe, Johnny Williams and Dwight Gayle are also like candidates to get a rare start as Pulis looks to rest some of his key men ahead of the aforementioned Hull game.
Another youngster who performed well in the previous round, Hiram Boateng, seems likely to miss out this time around, as the 18-year-old academy starlet looks set to complete a loan move to League Two outfit Hartlepool United.
Wigan Athletic under new boss Uwe Rosler have been in sensational form of late, however last weeks 3-0 defeat at the hands of Doncaster Rovers may see the boss ring the changes for this cup clash. New signing Josh McEachran, who arrived on-loan from Chelsea this week is in line to make his Latics debut, whilst Palace old boys Ben Watson and Emerson Boyce could also feature.
These two sides are relative strangers having only met on three previous occasions in the clubs history. Last time out it was Palace who came out on top in a 2-1 home win in the 2011 League Cup, courtesy of goals from Johnny Williams and Darren Ambrose.
Likely Line -Up
Speroni
Marriapa McCarthy Delaney Moxey
O’Keefe Jedinak
Bolasie Bannan Williams
Gayle
Appiah Joins Notts County on One-Month Loan
Posted: January 21, 2014 Filed under: News Leave a commentCrystal Palace’s 23-year-old striker Kwesi Appiah has joined Notts County on an emergency one-month loan.
County manager, and former Eagles captain, Shaun Derry, has turned to his old charges to bolster his attacking options with the signing of the former Margate forward. The Palace man enjoyed a successful 17 game loan spell at Skrill Premier League side Cambridge United in the first half of the season, in which he found the back of the net 10 times. He will be hoping to carry this scoring form into League One and prove himself at a higher level, and in doing so boost his chances of making an impact this season with the Eagles.
Appiah has also signed a one-year contract extension taking his contract to the end of the 2015 season.
Player of the Week – Jason Puncheon
Posted: January 21, 2014 Filed under: News, Player of the Week Leave a commentWhat a turnaround in fortunes it has been for Jason Puncheon. Last week at Spurs he played the role of the pantomime villain after ballooning his penalty, that could have given Palace the lead, high over the bar. Just a week on from that disappointment however Puncheon has picked himself up and dusted himself down and put in a performance against Stoke City on Saturday of real character.
The on-loan Southampton winger picked up on a sloppy defensive error and jinked and dummied his way across the penalty area until he created that necessary half yard to steer the ball home and give Pulis and the Eagles fans the victory they were so desperate for against the gaffers former team. Having scored his second goal in three games early on in the second half, he continued to do his solid defensive duties assisting Mariappa down the right, whilst still providing an outlet through which to counter the Potters as the Eagles looked to hold onto their lead.
Whilst on the day he was perhaps eclipsed by several other Palace players, the sheer character required to pick himself up from the despair of White Hart lane and become the match winner at Selhurst Park means that he is well deserving of this weeks Player of the Week award.
Transfer Musings
Posted: January 21, 2014 Filed under: News, Opinion Leave a commentWith deadline day looming, and Pulis and Co. yet to do any business in the transfer market, let’s take a look at who could, and perhaps should be, making their way to South London before February 1st.
Goalkeepers
With Julian Speroni in characteristically consistent form this season the goalkeeping department is not of particular urgency for Pulis in this window. Nevertheless, the Welshman likes a goalkeeper with a commanding presence in the area, and for all of Speroni’s strengths I think most palace fans would agree he is not the most authoritative of keepers.
The press have linked the Eagles to Wolves’ Wayne Hennessey and more recently Leicetser’s Kasper Schmeichel. Of the two Hennessey is the most likely candidate to come to Selhurst this January. With Wolves currently playing in the third tier of English football, the Welsh international could see the chance to join palace as another opportunity to play in the top flight, although in all likelihood he would be playing second fiddle to Jules at least for the remainder of this season.
Defenders
The central defence is an area that is seriously underdeveloped at the moment. Danny Gabbidon and Damien Delaney have both put in warrior like performances this season, and are one of the key factors in the recent resurgence under Pulis. However they lack that crucial yard of pace at times and are still prone to basic errors which are costly at Premier League level. Both are now approaching their mid-30’s and with Marriapa being employed as a right back, the Eagles need serious long term cover in this department.
Surprisingly press and pundits alike have failed to link us substantially with any defenders so far, with the exception of Ipswich full-back Aaron Creswell, and former Eagle Mark Hudson. Hudson would be welcome with open arms by the Selhurst faithful and would provide another experienced head at the back for the Eagles. However, Pulis needs to also look at the long term future of the defence beyond this season, and buy appropriately. Leicester’s Liam Moore has been a revelation this season for the Championship leaders, and has attracted a host of attention from the Premier League clubs. At just 21, and with the promise of first team Premier League football, Pulis could convince Moore that Selhurst is the best option for him, and in doing so secure a long term investment that should reward Palace with a decent re-sale value.
With Iain Moody now overseeing recruitment at Selhurst, the Eagles are likely to be casting their net further a field in the final weeks. So a few names that maybe of some interest for Palace fans to keep an eye on include 21 year-old Valencienne and France under-21 centre-half Lindsay Rose, who although only joined his current club in the summer could be swayed by the lure of Premier League football. Also 25-year-old Ghanaian international Isaac Vorsah who fits the mould of the young, commanding, and towering centre half that matches the Pulis model of defending, and could be in need of game time, after not playing regularly for his current club Red Bull Salzburg.
Midfielders
Palace at the moment have an embarrassment of riches in terms of central midfielders. Jedinak, KG, O’Keefe, Bannan, Williams, Guediora and Campana are all capable of playing in those two holding roles effectively, so it might be a case of who is leaving in this department. The likes of Owen Garvan and Jose Campana, who have both seen their game time limited this season, might choose to move onto pastures new.
It is on the wings where Pulis might feel the need for strengthening. Yannick Bolasie has been outstanding since his recovery from injury, but is still marred by inconsistencies in the final third and a lack of goals. Whereas Jason Puncheon on the other flank is the definition of inconsistency, sublime one game (Vs Stoke), criminally awful the next (Vs Tottenham). That being said a permanent move for the Southampton Loanee could prove a shrewd bit of business for Pulis as it would free up a loan-option and insure Puncheon remains dedicated to the cause for the back end of the season.
Academy graduate and play-off hero Wilfried Zaha on loan from Manchestser United appears to be the fans firm choice, but a deal is unlikely with Moyes reluctant to let the England international leave in the midst of a mini injury crisis. A big money signing in this position could be Pulis’s only real option in his bid to bring more creativity and attacking flair to the side. FC Twente’s Dusan Tadic could be an attainable target in this respect, although pricey, his 8 goals and 7 assists this season prove his capabilities in both creating and scoring goals. And with Twente not in Europe this season a switch to the Premier League might be on the cards. Celtics Joe Ledley and Stokes’ Matthew Etherington have also been muted in the press as potential targets for the Eagles.
Attackers
It is in attack that Palace are in serious need of reinforcements. Despite some industrial performances from Jerome, Gayle and Chamakh, they have been seriously goal shy this season. Palace are currently the divisions lowest scorers with just 14, and this needs to dramatically improve if the Eagles want to stay up.
Reportedly in for both Nikica Jelevic and Shane Long before both went to Hull City last week, shows that upfront is where Pulis is main focus lies in this window. The likes of Danny Ings, Jordan Rhodes and Adam Le Fondre have all been ear marked as Championship targets, but would all take a substantial chunk out of the January budget to secure their services. Out of the three Le Fondre is the only one with proven premier league potential and could be effective from the bench. However Palace need a dynamic, focal point for their attack, someone in the mould of Jerome but with better finishing ability in order to take the responsibility off of Chamakh. Vincent Aboubakar of Lorient in France could well prove to be the man to fit the bill. Currently with 11 goals and 4 assists in League 1 this season, he ticks all the boxes. He would be the big, strong, powerful forward through which the side can be built around. Peter Crouch has also been widely speculated upon due to the Pulis/Stoke connection, however his age and wage demands will work against him. A much more affordable and long term target who will do a similar job to Crouch is Brondby giant Simon Makienok, who at 6 foot 8 inches will provide a significant aerial threat in attack.
Crystal Palace 0 Barnsley 0
Posted: April 7, 2013 Filed under: News Leave a commentCrystal Palace failed to break down a resolute Barnsley defence to all but extinguish any hope of automatic promotion, whilst the draw lifted the visitors out of the bottom three as they continued their scrap for survival.
The game started in bizarre fashion with referee Kevin Stroud deeming both Barnsley strips clashed too heavily with the Eagles own home shirt, so Barnsley took to the field sporting the home sides own away shirts. It looked like this had confused Palace in the early stages as they started the slower of the two sides, with Jason Scotland having the best chance of the opening 15 minutes when he shot well wide from the edge of the area.
The home side grew into the game not soon afterwards and continued to dominate from then on. Neat interchanges between Moritz, Zaha and Bolasie constantly carved out chances for Holloways men, but Luke Steele in Tykes goal proved equal to everything that was thrown at him. Andre Moritz first saw his fine curling free kick saved acrobatically, before leading scorer Glenn Murray found himself one on one with Steele only to see his shot smothered by the English keeper.
Palace continued in the same vain throughout the second half, but continued to misfire. Moritz again saw his free kick saved by Steele with the keeper diving down neatly to deny the Brazilian. Then substitute striker Aaron Wilbraham three times had chances to be the Eagles hero, but failed to convert on all three occasions leaving the Palace faithful frustrated come the final whistle.
The Eagles have now gone 4 games without a goal which is seriously threatening their chances of promotion, where as Barnsley now find themselves two places above the drop zone as they continue to push for survival.
#bringbackR&D
Posted: April 2, 2013 Filed under: Opinion Leave a commentSo Peter Ramge and Damien Delaney have left Twitter. At least for a short while. And why? Because of a few Palace “fans”, or “morons” as they should perhaps be properly referred to as, using the social networking site to abuse our lads for losing a couple of games.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and that is one of Twitters greatest features, however the kind of stuff being said is going beyond mere opinion and it’s simply not right.
This behaviour is outrageous and so out of character with the rest of the season, with Eagles supporters getting behind their troops better than ever for the majority of the year. It’s a shame really, because Ramage and Delaney’s Twitter banter always brightens my day, even after a depressing result knowing that the players are gelling so well off the pitch gives me confidence that they will fight tooth and nail for each other on it.
Using Twitter for me has gotten me closer than ever to the team I love allowing me to share in the players everyday lives and interact and debate with fellow supporters. But a few idiots are ruining it for the rest of us, and for what? Because our lads have lost 3 games in a row. I think people appear to be forgetting a few things about being a Palace fan, its never smooth sailing, there are always ups and downs and that is why we love supporting them through the good times and the bad. And let me tell you now, in my 22 years supporting the Red and Blue army this is very much one of the great times.
We started the season as favourites for relegation, and our early form did nothing to allay those initial fears. But since then, both under Dougie and now Ian Holloway, the players have come together and spent the rest of the season punching well above their weight by putting in 110% in every game and never giving up. Those saying that the players don’t care, and that the manager is useless, might want to look at the table and at the results across the entire season, and then take a good hard look at themselves before abusing our team from the comfort of their own homes.
The performance of the club this season from top to bottom has been way above everyone’s expectations, and everyone should be getting praise for how far the club has come in such a short period of time. Two years ago we survived on the final day of the season after being docked ten points for entering administration. Two years on we have been in a Carling Cup Semi Final, currently sit 4th in the league with a squad full of internationals, a manager playing a brand of exciting passing football, a youth system constantly developing exceptional young talent and a board full of sensible but well off Palace fans.
So to those “fans” that have caused all this unrest I say to you “if you are true Palace fans, shut the hell up, get behind your team that has given their all this season because it is now that they are going to need us the most to be the 12th man for the final push”.
And to Delaney and Peter “we are not all like this, in fact the majority of us true supporters realise how much you guys care and will miss you on Twitter. Good luck for the rest of the season, we are all behind you”.
And finally to the true Palace supporters I say “Keep the faith, we’ll be feeling glad all over come the end of the season”.
Blackpool 1 Crystal Palace 0
Posted: April 2, 2013 Filed under: News, Previews/Reviews Leave a commentPaul Ince gets his first win at home since taking over at Bloomfield Road courtesy of a fantastic late Matt Phillips strike that gave 10 man Blackpool all 3 points.
The win moved the Tangerines further away from the relegation zone. Meanwhile this was Crystal Palace’s third straight defeat and this latest set back sees them drift further away from the automatic promotion places, with a 6 point gap opening up between themselves and Hull.
The home side started the stronger of the two, and but for some fine reflexes from Argentine goal keeper Julian Speroni could have been 1-0 up inside ten minutes when Nathan Delfouneso had his shot saved.
Palace grew into the game as the half progressed and went close through the returning Wilfried Zaha and then Damien Delaney. Zaha brought a fine save from ‘Pool keeper Matt Gilks, and from the resulting corner Delaney managed to put his header over the cross bar.
Delfouneso continued his on going battle with Speroni and forced the Eagles stopper into another fine save on the half hour mark with a low drive that had the Argentine at full stretch. However the wind was knocked well and truly out of the home sides sails just before the break when captain Barry Ferguson saw red for a second bookable offence as he cynically scythed down Yannick Bolasie 40 yards from goal.
Despite playing against ten men for the entirety of the second half Holloways side failed to capitalise and struggled to break down a well drilled Balckpool defence. Top scorer Glenn Murray had two half chances, firstly failing to connect properly with a Jonathan Parr cross , and then only managing to find the side netting after being played in by Wilfired Zaha.
The sucker punch came for the Eagles just 5 minutes from time when Tom Ince cut in from the right hand side and laid the ball off to fellow wide man Matty Phillips, who curled a delicious first time shot into the top corner from 20 yards to score his first goal in 20 matches.
Player of the Week: Johnny Williams
Posted: April 2, 2013 Filed under: Player of the Week Leave a commentThis weeks award goes to Johnny Williams for his excellent mid-week performances for Wales where the young Palace graduate won his first 2 full international caps.
Coming off the bench for the crucial clash against bitter rivals Scotland, the diminutive midfielder played a key roll in setting up the second goal of the game after a trademark mazy dribble down the centre of the park ended in a defence splitting pass, which resulted in Robson-Kanu’s powerful header.
This fantastic 45 minute display earned Williams many plaudits from the media and his manager Chris Coleman who was full of praise for the youngster throughout the week. Coleman rewarded Williams with his first start 3 days later at the Liberty Stadium against a strong Croatia side. Although Wales lost the game 2-1 it was young Johnny Williams who again stood out from the crowd, putting in a man of the match display and showing maturity beyond his tender years.
Good Fridays clash with Birmingham, as we all know didn’t go quite to plan, and with Williams playing his third game in a week and starting out of position on the wing struggled to make an impact. However his tireless running and tracking back for the team displayed his defensive capabilities and his desire to win at all costs for his boyhood club.
Rumours are starting to circulate that the big boys of the Premier League are sniffing around the young prodigy, and if he continues to develop as he is, he is destined to follow fellow graduate Zaha to the very top.
Blackpool vs Crystal Palace Preview
Posted: March 31, 2013 Filed under: News, Previews/Reviews Leave a commentCrystal Palace head into this one without a victory in their past 3 matches and only one win on the road this calender year. The Eagles have conceded 7 in their past 2 matches and will be hoping to turn their fortunes around and keep their push for automatic promotion going against a Blackpool side who have won just once in their past 8 games. Paul Ince is still looking for his first home win in charge and has yet to see his Tangerines score at Bloomfield Road under his tenure.
There is added spice to this fixture as it sees new Palace boss Ian Holloway return to his old side that he guided to the Premier League only two years ago, after quitting the Seasiders earlier on in the season.
Team News
Blackpool
Blackpool go into this fixture with no new injury concerns, with defender Ian Evatt (Knee Injury) and forward Gary Taylor-Fletcher (hamstring) the only two remaining sidelined. Chris Basham could deputise again after making an appearance last time out after suffering from a cheek bone injury.
Eating The Burger 
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