Team vs Al-Ula SC

[Palace Old Geezer]

Is it just me, or is Franca constantly falling over? Often off the ball. It seems to happen more than anyone else.

Doesn't quite happen for him does it.

For some reason I can't explain, I am desperate for him to be a brilliant, stand out, Brazilian wonderboy and a Palace star. But, his touches are often poor and he appears to try to be too clever without the end result. Shame and I reckon Pierre will lose patience with him.

Cardines starred in the first half.

 

[mileend]

Jemide, Ozoh, Rak Sakyi, King have come on

Off - Devenny, Richards, Kamada and Nketiah

 

[mileend]

Doesn't quite happen for him does it.

For some reason I can't explain, I am desperate for him to be a brilliant, stand out, Brazilian wonderboy and a Palace star. But, his touches are often poor and he appears to try to be too clever without the end result. Shame and I reckon Pierre will lose patience with him.

Cardines starred in the first half.

Franca spurned two decent opportunities so far in the second half - but a bit unlucky to be flagged offside after that

He's involved!

 

[mileend]

Canvot scores from a corner!

3-1

 

[mileend]

Sosa off for Tomiyasu
Will Hughes off for Doucoure
Franca off for Drakes Thomas

 

[mileend]

Benamar on for Mitchell
Walker-Smith on for Canvot
Sarr on for Devenny

 

[TheBigToePunt]

As the half went on clearer that Hughes was more frequently the deeper lying central midfielder (6) and Kamada a bit further forward central midfielder (8)

But neither trying to run past the front three to get into the box.

No major change from Glasnerball as far as my amateur judgement goes

Interesting. I have heard that Sage played 343 at Lens, but am not sure if that is true. I also dint know if he played it in the same way as Glasner, with two holding midfielders and two no10s.

Even if he prefers a different formation, I suppose for Sage, coming into a new country, league, and club and finding a group that has had considerable success playing a certain way, it makes sense to play 343, at least at the outset. If it works then great, if not then you can change later and the players will accept it. That's got to be better than changing it upfront, then having to revert to it if the team struggles.

All in all, the idea that a new coach would play in a different way that better suited some of our more misfiring players now seems unlikely.

 

[mileend]

FT - 3-1 Palace - the referee had seen enough and didn't bother with any additional minutes despite the drinks break and countless subs

Only note after Canvot's goal was it was a practice against a low block and the Japanese centre back Tomiyasu looks classy. Could be part of the solution at CB.

Cardines Man of the Match.

 

[Linford]

Much improved today.

Possibly a bit of a drop off again when we'd changed up most of the team. First XI is a cut above.

Pleased to get some goals put away, having not done so in three previous games. Also pleased that one came from a well taken corner... that in itself a rarity.

Tomiyasu impressing on his run-out. Couple of good interceptions and plenty of good passes, creating space, and switching up play. Sign him up Pierre.