It was a very good point away to Everton on Monday, we defended superbly and on another day we might have come away with all three points.
With Wilfried Zaha out through suspension, I was a little worried that we were not going to replicate some of our previous attacking displays, but without our mercurial winger we still managed to carve out some great opportunities.
Do not get me wrong, we certainly rode our luck at times. Romelu Lakaku hit the post in the first half and the crossbar in the second half. Wayne Hennessey also made an unbelievable stop to keep Tom Cleverley’s volley from nestling in the top corner. It was a thing of beauty that save.
From watching the game and flicking through social media as one does during a Palace game, there were plenty of discussions which got me thinking for this latest edition of our feature, the Red And Blue Report.
One was whether Jason Puncheon should continue to play in the number ten role as Marouane Chamakh is back fit, so will we discuss that in a little more depth.
Also Gerard Deulofeu got a lot of love from Palace fans after Monday’s performance, I also want look at him and how he would fit in a Palace side. And finally, I will look forward to the festive period, the busiest time of the year for both football and everyday life.
So, Jason Puncheon or Marouane Chamakh?
It is a very tough question. At the moment, they are our options for the number ten role and in my opinion I would class Yohan Cabaye as a potential for the position but some disagree.
Anyway, they seem to be Alan Pardew’s choice in that elusive position behind the strikers, but with Puncheon slightly off the boil at the moment, many fans are calling for Chammers to be thrown back in despite rarely seeing any action in the last five to six months.
Although Chamakh has played in that position for the majority of his time in South London, I must say I much prefer someone like Puncheon. I just think he gives us that ability to pick a pass and he can go round someone. Something you rarely see Chamakh do.
Obviously Chamakh bring other qualities that Puncheon does not, like his general all round effort. There was a noticeable change when Tony Pulis arrived and ever since he works his socks off for the team. Then there is his aerial presence which is a big bonus for us, and with him in the side he gives us another option.
I really do not know who Pardew will opt for this weekend. Chamakh did not come on against Everton, so I am assuming he will definitely get some game time this week. For me I would go with Puncheon at the moment, even though he is having a sticky patch, he is still capable of the moment of brilliance.
I do love watching a good Spanish footballer, the Premier League is blessed with plenty of Spanish talent. The David Silva’s, Juan Mata’s, and Santi Cazorla’s are a joy to watch when in full flow. But another Spanish player that I feel will take the Premier League by storm in a few years is Deulofeu.
He was sensational on Monday evening and gave Pape Souare the runaround all evening. The former Barcelona player produced some outrageous pieces of skill, and his link-up play with Lakaku was superb.
He is a real talent. One that would fit in perfectly at Selhurst Park.
The Spaniard can play on either wing, and even behind the striker but with the way we play, he would be great alongside Cabaye, Zaha, and Yannick Bolasie. I suppose at the moment we can only dream as Everton are on a similar footing to us, in both league position and where we both stand as clubs.
If he ever became available I would be the first to call for his signature, he is a talented individual with a big future ahead of him.
Finally, it is that time of month where the Christmas decorations come out, people are rushing about trying to find the right gifts for their loved ones, and also a time where we can indulge on the finer foods in life. But for top-flight footballers, the latter can certainly not be done, as they face the most stressful period of the season.
As for Palace we have put ourselves in a strong position, we are currently sitting pretty in sixth and with Southampton to come this weekend at home, we could further cement that position before we embark on what will no doubt be a difficult period.
Over the Christmas period we have Stoke City, and Bournemouth away, and then struggling Swansea City at home, and then the opening game of the New Year we face Chelsea at home.
On paper and current form you will say that is not a bad set of fixtures but I feel Bournemouth are now going to improve after their victory against Chelsea, and Swansea should have a new manager in place by the time they play us. Whatever you say about Chelsea this year, they are always a tough game so it will be interesting to see where we are come January.
The Southampton game should be another test for us, a test that I fancy ourselves in, another three points would be great.
COME ON PALACE!
