Premier League Review: Crystal Palace 1-2 Watford

Match Facts

• Date – 13 February 2016
• Venue – Selhurst Park
• Attendance – 24, 564
• Referee – Robert Madley
• Bookings – Suarez
• Sending off – Souare
• Goals – Deeney (16 pen, 82), Adebayor (45)
• Star Eagle – Adebayor (7.8)

Match Review

There was no love in the air at Selhurst Park on Valentines weekend as an out of sorts Crystal Palace slumped to yet another defeat in the Premier League, as Pape Souare saw red late on.

Two goals from Watford captain Troy Deeney cancelled out Emmanuel Adebayor’s first goal for the Eagles just before half-time.

After the draw away at Swansea last weekend, Palace felt a home game against the likes of Watford could spur them on with the hope they could get their season back on track but it just was not to be.

Alan Pardew made one change, bringing in Connor Wickham to play on the left hand side of an attacking three which did not really work in the first half.

Palace fell behind when Mile Jedinak pulled down Deeney in the box, and Robert Madley who has given more penalties than any other referee this season pointed to the spot. It was one of those decisions which are rarely given and considering it was Watford’s first corner, you could say it was a bit harsh on the Eagles. When your luck is out, your luck is well truly out in the top flight.

It was another awful first half performance from Palace. Adebayor rarely got a touch of the ball and Palace’s play was typified when Jedinak gave the ball straight to Watford who very nearly punished Palace.

Just as the half was petering out, Palace levelled and restored hope that they could push on in the second half. Wickham had two bites of the cherry to get the ball in, his second cross was good which was met with a wonderful header by Adebayor, who opened his account for Palace.

The second half was better for Palace, Wilfried Zaha switched wings and was trying to make things happen, but at the other end Odion Ighalo and Deeney were always a threat.

In the final ten minutes, Palace and in particular Joel Ward switched off which allowed Deeney to score his second with a composed touch and finish.

Palace tried to rally late on, Yohan Cabaye had a smashing volley which hit the post, and after Pape Souare saw red for a dangerous challenge on Valon Behrami, Ward nearly made up for his error but his header was just over.

For Palace the run without a Premier League win stretches to nine games. Pardew has to go back to the drawing board to try and get the swashbuckling Palace back on form.

TEB Verdict

One of the worst halves of football this season for Palace with a worrying lack of invention until the equaliser. A bold decision by Pardew to play both Wickham and Adebayor did not pay off and neither did the decision to bring on Frazier Campbell for Jordon Mutch in an effort to win the game. A disappointing and frustrating loss but the performance of Adebayor was the shining light.

Player Ratings (courtesy of Who Scored)

• Wayne Hennessey (6.3) – Some crucial saves but his performance will be remembered for his poor throw to Souare which led to the red card.
• Joel Ward (7.2) – Caught napping at the back post for the second goal but overall had a good game. Had a great chance to grab a second for Palace.
• Scott Dann (6.6) – Took a worrying knock in the second half but dealt with the threat of the visiting strike force for the most part.
• Damien Delaney (6.7) – Snuffed out much of the threat from the visitors but will scratching his head at conceding two goals.
• Pape Souare (4.8) – Combined well at times with Zaha but put in a poor challenge when receiving a heavy throw from Hennessey.
• Mile Jedinak (7.7) – Despite the rating, this was far from an impressive performance by the Aussie. Struggled to pass and looked off the pace even though he has not been the quickest player but cannot fault his work rate.
• Yohan Cabaye (7.3) – Seems to be missing the support of McArthur but worked hard throughout to try and get things going. Excellent effort from distance which cannoned off the post.
• Jordon Mutch (6.1) – Solid display once again which followed up his showing against Swansea. Replaced by Frazier Campbell (5.8) on 73 minutes in a bid to win the game which backfired.
• Wilfried Zaha (6.8) – When he was given the ball he took on the opposition even with the attentions of two markers. Should have been given the ball more. Wish he would play with a smile on his face more often.
• Emmanuel Adebayor (7.8) – Excellent performance from the new signing, the first striker to score from open play this season for Palace.
• Connor Wickham (7.0) – Restricted out wide in the first half which did not really work. Replaced by Chung-Yong Lee (6.8) on 45 minutes who added some quality on the ball and linked well with Mutch and Adebayor. 

Unused substitutes – Julian Speroni, Adrian Mariappa, Marouane Chamakh, Martin Kelly, Hiram Boateng

Match Statistics

The Who Scored man of the match was Troy Deeney (9.3) after his brace and he also had the most shots (5). The man with the most tackles was Valon Behrami (10) while Wilfried Zaha (4) had the most dribbles.

• Team rating: 6.69 – 7.07
• Total shots: 15 – 10
• Shots on target: 5 – 4
• Possession: 54% – 46%
• Pass success: 72% – 67%
• Dribbles: 12 – 8
• Tackles: 18 – 29
• Corners: 8 – 3
• Dispossessed: 26-15

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