MATCH FACTS
- Date – 17th December 2016
- Venue – Selhurst Park
- Attendance – 25,259
- Referee – Jonathan Moss
- Bookings – Ward, Delaney, Costa, Kante
- Goals – Costa (43)
- Star Eagle – Wayne Hennessey (7.6)
TEB VERDICT
Another improved performance from the Eagles but it was always going to be tough against the Premier League leaders. Palace certainly had their chances but were found wanting after what was a tough time to concede right before the break. A few positives but no points at a time when the latter are becoming more important.
PLAYER RATINGS (courtesy of Who Scored)
13 Wayne Hennessey (7.6) – Question marks over his part in the goal when you would expect the keeper to command his area but otherwise made some good saves to keep Palace in the game.
2 Joel Ward (6.3) – Started at left back but reverted to his more familiar role late in the game. Clearly not as happy on the right as cutting inside hindered possession when on the ball.
6 Scott Dann (6.5) – Arguably not as good a showing as Wednesday night but the captain seems to look happier when partnered with Delaney.
27 Damien Delaney (6.4) – Another good battle with Brazilian striker Diego Costa. Made a superb block in the penalty area during the second half.
34 Martin Kelly (6.6) – Good game on the right against an imposing visiting attack but stood up well for the most part. Replaced by 19 Zeki Fryers (5.9) on 84 minutes which once again was perhaps harsh on Kelly.
18 James McArthur (6.1) – The engine room of the team and just did what he does best. Looked to get forward at every opportunity, had one chance but header went well wide.
7 Yohan Cabaye (6.4) – Followed up an excellent game in the week with an equally impressive midfield showing until fading a little late on. Replaced by 9 Fraizer Campbell (6.0) on 79 minutes who could not make an impact on the game.
42 Jason Puncheon (6.1) – Back in the side after a one match ban and while he was a little off colour, continued to work hard throughout. Replaced by 10 Andros Townsend (6.3) on 77 minutes who did little to impress in his short time on the pitch.
11 Wilfried Zaha (6.7) – Good first half but lost his cool when giving away a cheap free kick which he never really recovered from. Found it difficult to get into the second half but always a threat on the ball.
16 Joe Ledley (6.3) – Solid display in the middle where Palace had the better of the possession.
17 Christian Benteke (6.5) – Forced one great chance, a shot on the turn which went just wide. Battled and harrassed for minimal reward.
Unused substitutes – 1 Julian Speroni, 22 Jordon Mutch, 14 Chung-yong Lee, 43 Noor Husin
FYPTV
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAID
‘It was a strong performance but they did not give us anything and that was as good a defensive display that we have seen. Once we conceded, it was very difficult. We could not get Wilfried Zaha isolated. We kept the ball and passed it well, but the final pass was very difficult. For our offensive players, it was the toughest game they have had. This team is not getting what it is deserves. That will change.’ – ALAN PARDEW courtesy of BBC Sport.
‘We have reached a good balance between offence and defence. In some moments, our goalkeeper has been decisive. We dominated the last game but Thibaut made a fantastic save. After last season when he conceded lots of goals, this season is very good for him. We attack and defend as a team.’ – ANTONIO CONTE courtesy of BBC Sport.
MATCH STATISTICS
The Who Scored man of the match was Eden Hazard (8.1) while N’Golo Kante and Marcus Alonso had the most shots (3). The most tackles were made by Victor Moses (5) as Eden Hazard had the most dribbles (7).
- Team rating: 6.39 – 7.15
- Total shots: 6- 13
- Shots on target: 2 – 6
- Possession: 53.4% – 46.6%
- Pass success: 78% – 77%
- Aerials won: 21 – 17
- Dribbles: 5 – 15
- Tackles: 11 – 22
- Corners: 5 – 3
- Dispossessed: 13 – 9
POSITION IN THE TABLE
Palace are 17th in the Premier Leage table, two points behind Burnley in 16th and one point ahead of Sunderland in 18th.
