After yesterday’s 1-0 defeat – thanks to a Joachim Andersen own goal, things are really starting to look bleak for Palace now. Boos rang out from the away end at the final whistle, and who can blame the fans? With the quality we have in the squad, we’re badly underperforming.
There seems to be a lack of desire from the players to turn this season around, as we are now facing the serious threat of being dragged into a relegation dogfight. The squad look disjointed in every sense – there is no cohesion in anything we try and do, especially going forward.
Where do we realistically see a win coming from?
Even after the next three games (City, Brighton, and Arsenal), April is looking like an equally tough month, especially with the way we’re currently playing.
Cheick Doucouré’s sending off had been coming; he was lucky to stay on the pitch against Man United in January. It is of course mainly down to recklessness on Doucouré’s part, with two sloppy challenges.
However, all season he’s been having to play multiple roles almost - due to such an unbalanced midfield. This will lead to him picking up more fouls, and ultimately suspensions.
So why do we STILL have Hughes sat on the bench?
Sambi Lokonga looked impressive again, but the midfield is still far from it’s best.
Serious questions must start being asked about Vieira now. I’m far from wanting him to be replaced – as he’s worked with very little investment in the squad, but we are lacking a direction or identity as a squad currently.
The Guardian wrote this piece after Vieira’s departure from Nice.
It talks about Vieira's lack of philosophy leading him to lose his job in France.
There is a similarity from this article to how were currently playing. Our tactics are certainly “muddled”, and we lack a vision as a team.
Vieira MUST find a way to make this team perform or his job may be at risk.
Ultimately though, with no win on the horizon, what would be the point of sacking the manager now?
We need the players to show us something in the next few games. A win in the next three is unlikely, but if the performances improve, that's a start.
A bit of a rant from me this evening – so apologies if you wanted something uplifting! But let’s all get behind the boys and hope they deliver on the pitch.
Up the Palace.
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