In the next instalment of the Eagles’ Premier League campaign, Sunderland visit Selhurst Park so we had a chat with the guys at We Are Wearside to find out how their season has gone so far.
Q. The last time we met, Palace fought back to snatch a dramatic late win at the Stadium of Light. Perhaps you could share your thoughts on the game?
Did I give a prediction for that one? I don’t remember, would be interesting if I did. Ironically this was probably Patrick van Aanholt’s worst game for us, or worst half hour at least. When you’re two up against another relegation candidate at home there is no excuse for leaving without any points. If we do go down, that game will be the first game I point the finger at.
Q. How has the season gone for you since then?
Pre-season mucked up because Hodgson couldn’t beat Iceland, revelations that the club were in mountains of debt, bottom of the league and to top it all off we sign Joleon Lescott. Let’s just say it might have gone better!
Q. What is the fans verdict on David Moyes since he replaced Sam Allardyce at the club?
I think the majority of Sunderland fans accept that he’s taken on as difficult a job as there is. Moyes is a very negative bloke, so he hasn’t endeared himself to the Sunderland fans up to now, but he’s here to build something so should remain even if we go down.
Q. How did the transfer window go and were necessary areas addressed?
Our Chief Executive told us we had no money and Moyes was equally pessimistic about signing any quality, so the transfer window went as expected. Bryan Oviedo and Darron Gibson are good players if they can be kept fit (not Moyes’ forte). The PVA deal was a good one for us and will probably end up good for Palace too. We desperately needed a striker though.
Q. Do you think the standard of refereeing is getting worse and if so, how can it be improved?
I can’t remember a time where the standard of refereeing was any good, it’s an impossible job. However, it’s made even more impossible by Howard Webb wannabes trying to get noticed for their contracts after retirement. It will never improve until we stop turning our nose up to technology.
Q. Who is your choice to win the Premier League this season and three teams to go down?
No other team looks like they want to challenge Chelsea, it looks sewn up already. As for the relegated three I expect it to be Hull, Sunderland and Middlesbrough. Maybe Leicester.
Q. What is your view on the decision to appoint Sam Allardyce as the new Palace manager?
It’s a great appointment. He’s not perfect at all, you’ll have realised that already, but when it’s good it’s absolutely brilliant under Allardyce. You won’t be relegated and should kick on next season.
Q. Name one player from each team that the opposition should be concerned about?
Without meaning to chose the obvious but Jermain Defoe is about all we have in terms of fire power, he is an excellent player thankfully.
Christian Benteke literally always scores against us, Villa many times including a hat trick, Liverpool and you lot already. Hate that bloke.
Q. Prediction?
Comfortable 2-0 home win, it’s not the sort of match Allardyce slips up in.
