Guest blogger Jack Watson brings us his views on the beginning of the season for Palace and his thoughts on the what the rest may bring. You can find Jack on Twitter.
The Eagle’s first game in the top flight gives fans hope. From Martin Atkinson’s final whistle to confirm Crystal Palace had won the Championship Playoff final to Mark Clattenburg’s whistle to start the new season, Crystal Palace fans have eagerly waited for their return to the riches of the Premier League.
The build-up to the game reflected the excitement, belief and boredom felt by the fans. During the pre-season Palace fans have been treated to more media attention and coverage than ever before. Fans will have also encouraged by the quality of players which were linked with the club such as former England international Darren Bent and Moroccan star Marouane Chamakh which shows real ambition from the owners.
Chamakh enjoyed a productive debut, the former Arsenal forward who was one of three players brought on impressed fans with his pace and decision making. WhileDwight Gayle, who played the whole match on his debut, was unable to get an opportunity to showcase his goal scoring talent due to uninspiring midfield creativity.
Crystal Palace ended the first half with the score line at a very respectable 0-0 thanks to solid defensive play. Despite the impressive defending, which earned Palace four clean sheets in the last five games of the season, Ollie’s boys were unable to get a glimpse of Hugo Lloris’ quiet goal.
Three minutes into the first half Dean Moxey was adjudged to have handled the ball from a close range Aaron Lennon cross. Ian Holloway, who appeared animated on the touchline, was furious with the decision, claiming that Dobbie was fouled by Nacer Chadli in the build up.
“I thought Chadli deliberately body-checked Dobbie, smashed him down, and ran off with the ball.” – Ian Holloway
A new season showcased a refurbished Selhurst Park – upgrades included new catering and improved media facilities. One thing inside SE25 which remained was the commendable fans. CPFC fans were roaring from the start to the finish and consistently outperformed any attempt of noise from the travelling Spurs fans.
So, what can we expect from the rest of the season?
Based on the first sixty-six minutes firm defending and a lack of chances, which may be an overriding downfall. Based from sixty-sixth minute we can look forward to giving any team a go. We have to remember Tottenham win matches away at Old Trafford (well so do we thanks to a certain Darren Ambrose wonder strike) and we had them fighting for the win towards the end as the team frequently threatened the Tottenham line of defence.
A closer inspection on Mile Jedinak will show you that he is going to be a key player in the race for Premier League survival. He was tackling, closing down and passing like any other top player in the league; his performance was overshadowed by picking up the only yellow card of the game however even this was taking one for the team. The Aussie is proving to be a real team leader in the squad and someone who looks as if he has being playing in the top division in the world for years.
The bookies still have us as the favourites to finish last although fans and players alike believe we can cause a few upsets,
“We’ve got a good bond and can cause a few upsets” – Joel Ward.
