PALACE V CHELSEA MATCH THREAD

[JHB]

With regard to the slow and passive starts, I don't believe this is through Glasner's instructions.
I was sitting not far from him on Saturday and Glasner was animated waving his arms for the players to push up and put more pressure on Chelsea.
When players elected to pass backwards when a forward pass was on, Glasner turned to the bench to express his exasperation.

It was noticeable that as the game progressed we played more directly , bypassing midfield with Henderson taking long punts up to Mateta and Sarr.

We have to accept that the passing through the lines of last season is not possible in the absence of Wharton and Olise , the lack of form of Eze and the rustiness of Doucoure.

We are playing to our current strengths which is based more on physicality and speed.
I think this demonstrates a certain pragmatism on the part of Glasner as to how he can best achieve results.

I agree with this. We are at our best when we get the ball forward quickly either when we have possession or on the counter. Allows us to use JPM’s strength and Sarr’s pace to trouble the opposition. Where we aren’t good is possession based build up play. As you say we just don’t have the players in midfield for that at the moment. Doesn’t mean they aren’t good players just that all of their main strengths are breaking up play rather than passing

 

[Willo]

I think that might have been a metaphor for something else Willo.

😀😀

How I remember those halcyon days when men were men and women were glad of it ! My Lothario days are in the dim and distant past.

Apropos the Chelsea game, I predicted a defeat, in the final analysis I am content with a point.

 

[beak]

😀😀

How I remember those halcyon days when men were men and women were glad of it ! My Lothario days are in the dim and distant past.

Apropos the Chelsea game, I predicted a defeat, in the final analysis I am content with a point.

Nothing wrong with your long distance recall.

 

[Willo]

Nothing wrong with your long distance recall.

Indeed I recall travelling long distances to woo ladies who were easy on the eye !

 

[NEILLO]

I agree with this. We are at our best when we get the ball forward quickly either when we have possession or on the counter. Allows us to use JPM’s strength and Sarr’s pace to trouble the opposition. Where we aren’t good is possession based build up play. As you say we just don’t have the players in midfield for that at the moment. Doesn’t mean they aren’t good players just that all of their main strengths are breaking up play rather than passing

Yes, take Hughes and especially Wharton out of the equation and we don't have a passing CM. And then you have more of a reliance than usual on the back three to pass the ball out. I think Chalobah is better at that than Richards and of course Chalobah was unable to play against Chelsea.

As Willo said, CM is a position we could use some reinforcement in but I don't think the club see that as a priority for now. Maybe in the Summer window.

 

[JHB]

Yes, take Hughes and especially Wharton out of the equation and we don't have a passing CM. And then you have more of a reliance than usual on the back three to pass the ball out. I think Chalobah is better at that than Richards and of course Chalobah was unable to play against Chelsea.

As Willo said, CM is a position we could use some reinforcement in but I don't think the club see that as a priority for now. Maybe in the Summer window.

Agreed. Assuming we stay up then that is an area to address. Problem is we will also potentially need two new starting centre halves. Guehi likely to be off and Chalobah returning to Chelsea. That will have to be the focus area and where most of our transfer funds go

 

[NEILLO]

Agreed. Assuming we stay up then that is an area to address. Problem is we will also potentially need two new starting centre halves. Guehi likely to be off and Chalobah returning to Chelsea. That will have to be the focus area and where most of our transfer funds go

Guehi will certainly be leaving. I think there could be a deal to be done for Chalobah as Chelsea have made it clear he isn't part of their plans. We have Riad returning from injury and one of his strengths is supposed to be his ability on the ball. But it certainly looks like an area that is going to require attention and of course the funds.

 

[MrRobbo]

Yes, take Hughes and especially Wharton out of the equation and we don't have a passing CM. And then you have more of a reliance than usual on the back three to pass the ball out. I think Chalobah is better at that than Richards and of course Chalobah was unable to play against Chelsea.

As Willo said, CM is a position we could use some reinforcement in but I don't think the club see that as a priority for now. Maybe in the Summer window.

Unfortunately with the media, as they can print somethig like its a fact with no shread of truth, its impossible to know whats true or a complete lie.

This morning we are being linked with Jobe Bellingham at Sunderland. And also seeing reports that we are not going to go back in for Diouf.

Personally I'm in the 'Mitchell is alright' so a more expansive CM would be top of the list for me

 

[Badger11]

Unfortunately with the media, as they can print somethig like its a fact with no shread of truth, its impossible to know whats true or a complete lie.

This morning we are being linked with Jobe Bellingham at Sunderland. And also seeing reports that we are not going to go back in for Diouf.

Personally I'm in the 'Mitchell is alright' so a more expansive CM would be top of the list for me

So am I but what happens if he gets injured. We are up the creek without a paddle. Plus clickbait making noises he wants to leave so let's get someone in now. Anyway I think we should have always 2 players competing for one place.

 

[CrazyBadger]

Unfortunately with the media, as they can print somethig like its a fact with no shread of truth, its impossible to know whats true or a complete lie.

This morning we are being linked with Jobe Bellingham at Sunderland. And also seeing reports that we are not going to go back in for Diouf.

Personally I'm in the 'Mitchell is alright' so a more expansive CM would be top of the list for me

But we still need another LB/LWB even if he is 'alright'. I rate Mitchell, and think that he is developing into a decent LWB. but to have just one in his position for as long as we have is crazy. And I don't subscribe to buying 'cover'.. You buy players to fight for a 1st team spot and improve the team.

 

[MrRobbo]

But we still need another LB/LWB even if he is 'alright'. I rate Mitchell, and think that he is developing into a decent LWB. but to have just one in his position for as long as we have is crazy. And I don't subscribe to buying 'cover'.. You buy players to fight for a 1st team spot and improve the team.

Yep agree, just a question of the priority order and the budget available.

 

[JHB]

Guehi will certainly be leaving. I think there could be a deal to be done for Chalobah as Chelsea have made it clear he isn't part of their plans. We have Riad returning from injury and one of his strengths is supposed to be his ability on the ball. But it certainly looks like an area that is going to require attention and of course the funds.

You are right re Chalobah. Hopefully there is a deal to be done there. Challenge will be price (they’ll want £30m at least) and whether he wants to come here. I could see a bigger club coming in for him (by bigger I mean a Spurs or Villa type club) or somebody offering him bigger wages.

Hopefully Riad is the passing centre half we need. We just don’t know at this stage as we haven’t seen enough of him.

 

[silvertop]

You are right re Chalobah. Hopefully there is a deal to be done there. Challenge will be price (they’ll want £30m at least) and whether he wants to come here. I could see a bigger club coming in for him (by bigger I mean a Spurs or Villa type club) or somebody offering him bigger wages.

Hopefully Riad is the passing centre half we need. We just don’t know at this stage as we haven’t seen enough of him.

More likely Fulham or West Ham.

Article today claims Chelsea considering recall of Chalobah given their defensive injuries. Would be typical as he was just shaping up nicely.