Didn't see the game but it looks like it wasn't the best idea to play Wickham with Benteke, that sounds more like last minute option. But I think this was a step forward for Palace. Puncheon proved he can be their main man this season; 6 key passes, 5 dribbles and most importantly, 6 accurate crosses from 8 in total! With Benteke and Dann in the same team, it's going to pay off at some point, as it did today in fact. They have still long way to go but I wouldn't be to pessimistic for them.
Palace haven't scored a single goal in the league this season but Benteke should add goal threat for them. Compared to Wickham, he's better finisher, better in the air, can bring others into game and is even more dynamic. But problem for Palace is not only finishing chances but also creating them. In games against West Brom and Tottenham, they've had in total 23 shots, 5 of them target. Wickham has had 4 shots of which 1 was on target, maybe enough to score one but Benteke really needs to find understanding with his new team mates. Another issue is how they manage to get crosses to Benteke. Townsend is decent crosser but is left footed which means most of his crosses spin towards the goal and require very good timing. Zaha however, isn't much of a crosser but can probably still link up with Benteke. Bolasie is gone but maybe Puncheon can deliver for Benteke if he's moved forward as Cabaye is fit again. It could take time but maybe they get it working, 2-0 Dann and Benteke to score.
Didn't see the game but it looks like it wasn't the best idea to play Wickham with Benteke, that sounds more like last minute option. But I think this was a step forward for Palace. Puncheon proved he can be their main man this season; 6 key passes, 5 dribbles and most importantly, 6 accurate crosses from 8 in total! With Benteke and Dann in the same team, it's going to pay off at some point, as it did today in fact. They have still long way to go but I wouldn't be to pessimistic for them.
Palace to win and maybe Benteke to score.
C.Palace WIn/draw
Palace haven't scored a single goal in the league this season but Benteke should add goal threat for them. Compared to Wickham, he's better finisher, better in the air, can bring others into game and is even more dynamic. But problem for Palace is not only finishing chances but also creating them. In games against West Brom and Tottenham, they've had in total 23 shots, 5 of them target. Wickham has had 4 shots of which 1 was on target, maybe enough to score one but Benteke really needs to find understanding with his new team mates. Another issue is how they manage to get crosses to Benteke. Townsend is decent crosser but is left footed which means most of his crosses spin towards the goal and require very good timing. Zaha however, isn't much of a crosser but can probably still link up with Benteke. Bolasie is gone but maybe Puncheon can deliver for Benteke if he's moved forward as Cabaye is fit again. It could take time but maybe they get it working, 2-0 Dann and Benteke to score.
Palace win Zaha MOTM