Crystal Palace vs. Manchester City match thread

[JHB]

Jesus, who pissed on your cornflakes. I know it was a relatively loss, but come on.

Perspective is required. Their team is worth about 20 times what ours is. And we more than matched them for the first 50 mins.

Sage admired the subs didn't bring what was needed, and made things worse.

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We were losing after 50 mins and City had missed three glorious chances. In truth they should have been three nil up at half time.

It’s not that losing to City is the issue so much as we have no defensive organisation or clear tactics.

Most of us called out before the game that first eleven was weak and we were going to get soundly beaten. That’s what happened. That’s not on Sage so much as an acknowledgment that the squad has regressed alarmingly in the last 9 months. At least three or four of that team shouldn’t be starting premier league games.

We’ve had two games now where the tactics are unclear, the defence is a shambles and as soon as the opposition have stepped it up a bit we’ve looked out of our depth. That’s why I am worried

 

[park the bus]

Why do people keep saying it's like de Boer? It doesn't seem like that to me at all. The Dutchman played people out of position (Luka at right-back anyone!), imposed a formation and tactics that none of the players other than Jairo were familiar with and spent training showing the players what he could do with the ball. Sage might not work out, but he's basically set the team up as it was last season, he just doesn't have the fortune of a settled back three, is missing our most clinical forward and has had barely any time to work with 80% of our first team due to the World Cup.

So far, we pretty much look like we did last season for large chunks of it. In the games that Sarr was missing last season, I'm not sure we won, did we? Sage has said himself that due to the situation, he has to rely on OG's base while he works to impose his own ideas. That sounds like the complete opposite to FdB, who basically was arrogant enough to believe he could turn a squad of lower-level PL players into prime Ajax, playing total football. Sage might not work out, but it's mad to think he could do much in the time he has had. Iraola had a terrible start at Bournemouth, OG made a slow start with us. Let's at least give the guy a chance!

You're correct, Sage can't be blamed in the little time he's had with the players and the transfer window isn't even closed yet. I look at Parish and Hobbs for our current predicament. Parish knew Glasner was leaving and had ample time to plan accordingly. Panic buys two crap players for near on £90m thus emptying the coffers and sells the one decent centre half to recover some of that money. Other signings are on the cheap or loans or frees. What is Sage to do? Hopefully instil some shape and form and leadership otherwise he'll be gone whilst the real culprits carry on.

 

[Willo]

Why do people keep saying it's like de Boer? It doesn't seem like that to me at all. The Dutchman played people out of position (Luka at right-back anyone!), imposed a formation and tactics that none of the players other than Jairo were familiar with and spent training showing the players what he could do with the ball. Sage might not work out, but he's basically set the team up as it was last season, he just doesn't have the fortune of a settled back three, is missing our most clinical forward and has had barely any time to work with 80% of our first team due to the World Cup.

So far, we pretty much look like we did last season for large chunks of it. In the games that Sarr was missing last season, I'm not sure we won, did we? Sage has said himself that due to the situation, he has to rely on OG's base while he works to impose his own ideas. That sounds like the complete opposite to FdB, who basically was arrogant enough to believe he could turn a squad of lower-level PL players into prime Ajax, playing total football. Sage might not work out, but it's mad to think he could do much in the time he has had. Iraola had a terrible start at Bournemouth, OG made a slow start with us. Let's at least give the guy a chance!

Bournemouth never won in Iraola's first 9 PL games losing 6 of them.
Frank lost 8 of his first 10 Championship games at Brentford.
Glasner did win his first game with us.

 

[JHB]

I’m not sure you can hold him responsible for that, players wanting out, players drifting back from the World Cup and that pathetic little tournament in Como would’ve been booked up before he started

I don’t really blame him. As I’ve said elsewhere he can be blameless and still be the wrong person though. Time will tell and the next two games will tell us a lot.

 

[MrRobbo]

We were losing after 50 mins and City had missed three glorious chances. In truth they should have been three nil up at half time.

It’s not that losing to City is the issue so much as we have no defensive organisation or clear tactics.

Most of us called out before the game that first eleven was weak and we were going to get soundly beaten. That’s what happened. That’s not on Sage so much as an acknowledgment that the squad has regressed alarmingly in the last 9 months. At least three or four of that team shouldn’t be starting premier league games.

We’ve had two games now where the tactics are unclear, the defence is a shambles and as soon as the opposition have stepped it up a bit we’ve looked out of our depth. That’s why I am worried

Yeah and we could have scored a couple as well.

The tactics were clear, and very different and much more progressing than Glasner. We were pressing high, and winning the ball high up early on. Haaland scored out of knowhere and knocked the wind out of us.

 

[ASCPFC]

Yeah and we could have scored a couple as well.

The tactics were clear, and very different and much more progressing than Glasner. We were pressing high, and winning the ball high up early on. Haaland scored out of knowhere and knocked the wind out of us.

Fair in some ways. But wouldn't it have been better to just shut up shop and go for the draw? Unlikely and boring I know. But it's not like we actually scored anyway.

 

[PatrickA]

Bournemouth never won in Iraola's first 9 PL games losing 6 of them.
Frank lost 8 of his first 10 Championship games at Brentford.
Glasner did win his first game with us.

Brentford and Bournemouth are good examples of clubs who have managed to sell key players, lose respected managers and yet still maintain an upward trajectory.
The distinction between them from us that I would make is that they have a coherent transfer policy with an often seamless transition when new players join.
Our current approach is much more scattergun, some being long term Freedman targets, some that Hobbs favours, some free transfers and some younger overseas players that may or not work out.
I can't see a strategy, but that doesn't mean there isn't one I suppose!

 

[BromleyMonkey]

I don’t really blame him. As I’ve said elsewhere he can be blameless and still be the wrong person though. Time will tell and the next two games will tell us a lot.

I think we’re all in agreement with that, the window will be shut, we’ll know what he’s got to work with and we’ll be playing Fulham and Ipswich not Man City, you can’t judge any of our managers in a performance against them, we got beat 3–0 at home last season, battered 5-2 up there the season before and even pragmatic Roy took a couple of good hidings against them.
We’ve obviously had our moments against them, but generally they’re in a different class to the likes of us

 

[JessieJ]

Bournemouth never won in Iraola's first 9 PL games losing 6 of them.
Frank lost 8 of his first 10 Championship games at Brentford.
Glasner did win his first game with us.

Then didn't win in the next 6 and it only turned around because Olise, Eze & Mateta were outstanding. This was followed with 3 pts from 8 matches at the beginning of the following season. It's not that i was a huge advocate of Mr Sage, because i didn't really know his record but it is isn't as if any other of the aforementioned plus the Brighton guy or Farke had overly impressive CV's. As for his demeanour, he has publically stated that he saves his outbursts for the changing room. It doesn't bring anything to have a trainer in any sport losing his rag on the sidelines in public. Let Paddy do that if needs must. As for Sp and possible patience levels, who knows. As for the incomings; I have stated that imo Tomiyasu is a premier league quality (if fit), desasi has the credentials and has also ben there/done it. Khalaili seems a suitable replacement at RWB with potential to really develop. Gozo? What's wrong with that? A highly sought-after talent and one for the future. All this "we need to buy an established EPL proven goalscorer, a midfield box-to-box and another defensive CB plus a new leader. With what? I fer we killed that possiblity with the 75 mill that disappeared in January. In that sense the incomings are probably ok. I do, though, think that Richards is lost in the centre and maybe at the moment in his better position on the right. In the first two matches he has shown again that he doesn't jump to meet a cross (but neither did Guehi)and his general defensive awareness (Cherki's first goal) is so poor. mybe when/if we can sign another CB he will be benched for a while.
The current system seems to be an open version of the pld. What that brings as i see it is that we rely upon the WB's for crosses. Mitchell, as we all know, is not that player, so this requires a winger. That is where the system falls down unless you park a McNeil on the left but then a "10" position is lost. Whether Khalaili can provide this from the right remains to be seen. If not, that system change is needed. But i am not a trainer; well only for the local youth team here.
Last point. Even when we do more decisively in the market, the player fails a medical.

 

[BromleyMonkey]

It was really embarrassing when we played his ex team and they thrashed us. Edouard in particular. It was so embarrassing and crap that I think we all repressed all memory of it immediately. There wasn't much comment.
We're now so awful up front that I'm officially saying Edouard is miles better than what we have.
Symptomatic of our downfall really.

Come on that tournament was poor, they weren’t even proper length matches and it was mostly under 21 and fringe players who weren’t anywhere near full fitness

 

[Palace Old Geezer]

Look on the bright side lads - at least we'll have a shiny new stand when we're playing Championship football.

 

[DenTyler]

Reading some of these comments has calmed me down a bit. Yes we're undercooked for the start of the season not helped by the apparent 'want aways'.
I was underwhelmed by the signing of Tomiyasu but thought he did well. Canvot better on the left yes. Richards no good in the middle yes. So hopefully Disasi can fill that roll and secure our defence.
I think the theme of downgrade replacements is spot on. McNeil looked awful and Guessand has taken over Johnson's hiding role. Nketiah was lively but has a poor first touch.
We need a captain on the field. I don't go with the goalkeeper theory. Hughes is the obvious choice but unless you're looking to drop Wharton or Kamada that requires a change in formation.
Still unconvinced by Sage, but here's hoping this gets rammed down my throat later in the season.

100% agree we need a caption out in the playing field. Hendo is great but he is not a captain.

 

[Willo]

Look on the bright side lads - at least we'll have a shiny new stand when we're playing Championship football.

Half empty !

 

[ASCPFC]

Look on the bright side lads - at least we'll have a shiny new stand when we're playing Championship football.

And easy to get to. Easy to get tickets, three o'clock Saturday. Play offs. Only real fans. Presumably cheaper - what's not to like?

 

[Palace Old Geezer]

Half empty !

I'm not so sure Willo. A winning Championship run will bring in the fans rather more eagerly than a losing PL run. I noticed on TV last night that big chunks of seats were empty before the final whistle.

 

[Forest Hillbilly]

On the 'plus side' , Palace did their bit to knock Brighton off their perch 🙂

 

[ASCPFC]

Half empty !

I don't really mind. Well used to that. I remember when we used to walk around the ground for a better view. So do you obviously.

 

[Willo]

I don't really mind. Well used to that. I remember when we used to walk around the ground for a better view. So do you obviously.

Indeed I do remember those days !
Supporters behind a goal we were attacking used to trek to the other end at half-time crunching on the peanut shells bought from Mrs Minchella !

 

[ASCPFC]

Indeed I do remember those days !
Supporters behind a goal we were attacking used to trek to the other end at half-time crunching on the peanut shells bought from Mrs Minchella !

Sliding down the muddy Holmesdale was always funny. You needed wellies really. And also to avoid the piss where we either didn't have toilets or nobody used them. I'll go for barely had toilets. A tin shack and a gutter.

 

[bright&wright]

Total bollocks. He was just about POTY a couple of seasons ago until OG insisted on playing Kamada every time. I actually agree, we need an upgrade and a real engine box to box type beside Wharton, but to say Hughes is nowhere near good enough is not only disrespectful but plainly wrong.

Saying that starting Hughes week in week out isn't going to help is hardly 'total bollocks' is it? And your argument is because 2 seasons ago he had a good run of games? What about last year? What did he do? Or do you just want him to start because you fancy some easy money betting on him to get a yellow card? Cos he does f all else.