There were some bright spots but the first round of matches brought disappointment for Palace, and for different reasons our next opponents, Liverpool.
Ahead of our trip to Anfield, I had a chat with Daz O’Connor from the Liverpool Connection Podcast to get an inside track on how Liverpool fans are feeling ahead of our first Monday Night Football appearance.
Q – So Daz, how are you feeling about your opening day draw with Fulham? Major disappointment or just a blip?
Daz – For the first 60 minutes we were poor, Klopp even mentioned the mentality after the game, and he isn’t normally one to call out players. Some have been particularly hard on Henderson but in truth the team were poor as a whole. No disrespect to Fulham, but the way Manchester City are at the moment, we can’t afford to be dropping points like that.
TEB – But there were some bright spots? It must’ve been nice to see Nunez come on and score?
We’ve got to believe in Klopp, we haven’t had a proper 9 since, well Benteke, and before that Andy Carroll. You can see the lad Nunez has elite potential. Obviously the media have focussed on Haaland, with his Champions League goals but I can see Nunez matching him.
Q – For the season as a whole then, what’s the target?
Daz – Losing by a point at the very end of last season was mad, and this season is going to be equally challenging with the World Cup break in the middle. A lot will depend on how that affects different players. For example, whether Trent goes to the World Cup or not could have a big impact on our domestic season.
TEB – And I suspect the impact will be pretty uneven; maybe Palace will have most of their first team squad at home on a mid-season break.
Daz – Overall, I can’t see us competing for another quadruple, possibly we’ll sacrifice the domestic cups to chase the big two and especially the league, which will be our top target.
Q – If I gave you a magic lamp who would you like to sign before the window closes?
Jude Bellingham would be the dream. He’s just so good, and seems very levelheaded, not on social media that much and we could do with a bit of power and grit in our midfield. On that note, I wouldn’t mind Nicolo Barella as well.
TEB – All I want is Conor back, oh and AWB, and while we’re at it…
Q – And what are your feelings about Palace this season? Feeling confident about the game on Monday night?
Daz – I’ve always liked Palace and think Viera is a great fit for you. I absolutely love Zaha – what a player. I watched your opener against Arsenal, and I thought you played pretty well – despite the shocking opener (TEB – another set piece!). Having said that, it’s our first home game of the season, I expect Klopp to set up a full blitz for the opening 20 minutes and we should be winning the game.
TEB – Thanks Daz, I hope we don’t get too blitzed!
Q – Anything Else?
Daz – Just glad football is back.
TEB – Us too, and fans!
