Our series of 2015-16 Premier League mid-season reviews continues with a look at Alan Pardew’s hardworking Crystal Palace outfit.
The story so far
Halfway through the season it is hard to believe that this team was struggling in the relegation zone at the same time last year, now finding themselves sitting in seventh and only two points outside of a European position. The impressive fact so far about the Eagles’ season is their record away from home. A run of five wins, two draws and two loses is third best in the league, only behind the top two teams in Arsenal and Leicester City. That is the main reason that they find themselves so high up as, because their record at Selhurst Park leaves a little to be desired, currently sitting at four wins, two draws and five losses. This is one thing that will need to improve if Palace want to maintain pace with the teams around them.
Another issue that the side is confronted with is the lack of output coming from their strikers. Thus far this season only one goal has been scored by a Palace striker, when Connor Wickham finally found the back of the net in their game against Stoke midway through December – even then it was only from the penalty spot. The side also went through a period of time where they were unable to find the net from open play and now they have failed to score in three-straight games. The common theme of these was that Yannick Bolasie has been missing and will continue to be out with a hip injury until the end of January, meaning Pardew is going to need to find a way to work his game plan without the speedy winger.
The manager
The reception that Alan Pardew was receiving during his last coaching role at Newcastle, compared to now at Crystal Palace goes to show that a positive environment leads to success. His impact at Selhurst was noticeable straight away, not only saving the side from relegation last season, but now being receiving the full support of Crystal Palace Chairman Steve Parish in terms of transfers, which allowed them to sign Yohan Cabaye on a record fee for the club. The impact of this signing has benefited the team greatly, as so far this season the Frenchman has provided five goals and an assist, as well as starting much of the attacking movement by passing to the wingers.
The game plan of Pardew has worked well this season using the speed and strength of Wilfried Zaha and Bolasie to take advantage of the fullbacks and get in behind the defence. It has been one of the main reasons that they have been so successful against the bigger teams such as Chelsea. In that game early in the season, Bolasie was too much to deal with for Branislav Ivanovic and was instrumental to the goals scored for the Eagles in their memorable defeat of Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Their counter-attacking nature has also found success this season and helped them get some wins that looked unlikely. In the showing against Liverpool at Anfield they allowed the Reds to have the majority of possession and hit them on the counter when the opportunity arose.
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Standout Player – Yannick Bolasie
Yannick Bolasie has been one of the more important players for the Eagles during this expectation-defying run. Because of his speed and strength he is an important part for their movement going forward and in his absence during the last three games the team has struggled to get into attacking positions and create goals. So far this season he has hit the net four times and has recorded an assist, but its more the work he does to get into the attacking position that is really where he excels. The one thing that Bolasie needs to be even better this year is to have a striker that he is able to confidently find and provide assists for.
Yannick Bolasie has scored as many league goals this season (4) as he did in the previous two seasons combined. pic.twitter.com/ci6WXWaGzv
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) November 28, 2015
Second-half prediction
When the Premier League resumes after the FA Cup round this weekend, Palace will face Aston Villa away from home before two tough tests that will show the potential of the team – going up against Manchester City at the Etihad and then returning home to face Tottenham.
With the transfer window open the area of needed improvement is in the striking department, especially after Patrick Bamford decided to cancel his loan spell and return to his parent club Chelsea. If they are able to find a hitman that finds some consistency in front of goal that will help them secure a place inside the top 10.
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