Man City Drop Points To Sunderland While Crystal Palace Thwart Toffees’ Fourth Hopes With Vital Win

Football

Premier League: 16 April 2014

BY NISAR KHAN

It was a dramatic midweek night of Premier League action which dramatically effected the Top Four as Everton were stunned by Crystal Palace, and Man City scraped merely a point from Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium.

Sunderland’s Connor Wickham dealt a big blow to City’s title hopes on Wednesday STANDARD SPORT

Manchester City’s title hopes were dealt a colossal blow as they drew with Sunderland in a thrilling game at the Etihad Stadium.

For the visitors, it was looking to be a gloomy day from the outset, as Fernandinho netted a goal for the hosts just two minutes in. The Brazilian smashed it to the right bottom corner after being threaded through from Sergio Aguero’s through ball.

The initial analogies of what the game would turn out to be though were, in fact, the contrary to what actually ensued – Sunderland pressed Man City and left them with a slender lead going into the half-time break.

Man City would hold on till the 71st minute, when Connor Wickham fired a deserved goal back in Sunderland’s favor to even the game. Emanuele Giaccherini’s cross put him through to beat Joe Hart and put The Citizens on edge.

Under ten minutes later, and Connor Wickham would complete his double and of much greater significance, he would give Sunderland a lead that hardly anyone would have expected. Joe Hart was left a bystander as the shot was cruelly slotted past him and left him helpless.

As the Black Cats slowly approached a vital three points, it was snatched away from them in crumbling fashion. Samir Nasri’s shot from the middle of the box was half-saved by Vito Mannone, though he could do little as it trickled into the net – the Italian was distraught as his blunder surrendered what would have been an uplifting three points to his side.

Sunderland, contrary to general consensus, would in fact press further for a winner, rather than defending for their lives, they came close to stunning City with another winner out of nowhere. Neither side could score a third goal, and honors were even as they both took a point. 

A dwindling blow for Manchester City, who have put the title out of their own doing now – the loss to Liverpool on Sunday means that the Reds will only need 10 points from their final four games to clinch the title.

Crystal Palace held on to defy Everton at Goodison Park, while in the process push them further towards safety in the Premier League.

Jason Puncheon continued his scoring form as he broke the deadlock around 22 minutes in, with a strong strike to the bottom left of the goal. His lone goal of the half gave the Londoners an important lead going into the interval.

Three minutes into the second phase and the Eagles’ would be flying high in Goodison – Scott Dann headed home from Bolasie’s ball in. 

Everton kept a gasp in the game around the hour-mark, with Naismith scoring from close range after Leighton Baines headed it towards his path, bringing back the deficit to one goal.

As Everton pressed, they would suffer a setback ten minutes after scoring. Cameron Jerome was provided possession off the ball from Jason Puncheon, allowing him to beat Tim Howard with a low-driven, medium-range shot.

Goodison was preparing for a nail-biting finish when Kevin Mirallas scored an easy goal with little yards between him and the goalline, just five minutes from the end of regulation. 

Some six minutes of stoppage time later, and Everton’s final efforts would be in vein – Crystal Palace flew high on the day as they propelled to safety considerations, while Everton handed the fourth-place takings in the Gunners’ favor.

City Fail To Take Advantage Of Game In Hand

Manchester City’s meeting with Sunderland was one of two games in hand that, if both were won would sandwich them two points between Liverpool and Chelsea. Sunderland were reluctant to succumb to Manchester City’s attacking prowess and got the point.

But many would say they deserved more – Mannone’s blunder was a horrifying way for Sunderland to miss out on the three points. They definitely did a bigger favour for the other two title challengers in Liverpool and Chelsea.

Yaya Toure’s absence due to injury was quite noticeable in the game – even though Fernandinho made his presence somewhat known with an early goal, it was far from Yaya Toure’s potentials. A positive for City though is Aguero’s improvements as he assisted Fernandinho for the opener.

Liverpool need 10 of a possible 12 points to clinch the title now, meaning they can afford to draw with Chelsea at Anfield. If Liverpool and Chelsea continue form, then Man City are gone completely – every game now is must-win for the Etihad Stadium occupants.

The three points they missed out on though may be costly in the relegation bottle as they stick rock-bottom of the table.

Eagles Stick Toffees For Fifth?

Arsenal’s touts as the favorites for fourth spot are now even stronger – as wrote in this previous column, they definitely have the advantage.

Everton still have games with Manchester United, Manchester City and Southampton – while Arsenal’s run-down is a much easier journey to secure Champions League football. Everton really needed to pick up a win, even with it being at home, to keep the pressure on the Gunners. 

And for Crystal Palace, well, what a turnaround. They are fighting back as the season approaches a thrilling culmination. They’ve hit the magic 40-point mark, and lie ten points from the drop zone.

Aftermath: The table at the end of the night

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PREMIER LEAGUE: Arteta and Giroud Fight Off Eagles

CRYSTAL PALACE 0 – 2 ARSENAL

Arteta ’46 (pen), Giroud ’85

KICK-OFF: Saturday 26 October 2013 at 12:45pm (BST) 

(GAMEWEEK 9) at Selhurst Park, London.

By Nisar Khan

LONDON – Arteta’s penalty and Giroud’s header provided Arsenal’s victory over Crystal Palace in spite of the Eagles’ first half defiance and the debatable sending off to Mikel Arteta.

Turning Point: Arteta’s penalty turned the game back in Arsenal’s favor after Palace began to pick up pace. (Image Courtesy/Copyright/Ownership: GETTY IMAGES)

SEE ALSO: Complete Coverage from Champions League Matchday 3

Arsenal got things underway and began the game with accurate passing. The sunny, windy conditions and dry pitch were looking to have slowed down Arsenal’s passing, but they were still looking fluid and very confident on the ball with an early landslide in possession.

With the first chance of the match, Olivier Giroud’s header went over the bar following a cross from Bacary Sagna. Arsenal continued to control the game with plenty of possession in the attacking half.

The Eagles’ defense were staying put, but they have little possession on were already looking on the backfoot early on. Their (very) short spells in possession were being constantly hindered by Arsenal.

Mathieu Flamini picked up an early groin injury and was therefore replaced by Serge Gnabry.

The first ten minutes or so of the game were, in essence, Arsenal fluidly passing the ball around but Giroud with the only chance of the game that left Speroni’s goal unfazed. There was a feeling that Arsenal were closing in on a goal.

Bacary Sagna created another chance when he squared it across the box but it was blocked by a defender, and possibly could have been a hand ball. What followed was Crystal Palace’s first promising play as they had a chance with a header in front of goal that went over the bar.  

The visitors looked dangerous in the first time that they caught Palace on the counter-attack, as Ozil came running into the box. The German could have shot but went to pass it across the goal, allowing the Palace players to hesitantly clear. It lead to the first corner of the game in the 17th minute that came to nothing.

Resillient: Palace kept a clean sheet in the first half.

When the game was in full swing in the 23rd minute, it seemed to follow the same correlation. Arsenal passing, but not able to get through Palace. 

Former Arsenal man Marouane Chamakh came closest for Palace to that moment as his sweet strike forced Szczęsny’s first save. 

The hosts were soon adapting themselves to the game, with a great spell of passing before Guediora’s shot fell into the hands of Szczęsny. The fans got vocal and Palace continued to work with optimism.

Arsenal send out a strong reminder to their opponents that they posed a goal threat, as Cazorla’s shot just went wide. Had Giroud had a touch on it, it would have been a goal. 

There was a spell of back-and-forth between the teams, moderately of course, as Palace responded with a free-kick that resulted in a corner. Dikgacoi came close as Szczęsny was unable to meet the corner. 

Marouane Chamakh came close again, but he mistimed the jump for his header with the cross going for a goal kick. The tempo had increased with five minutes remaining in the half. 

Olivier Giroud had a chance with a half-volley, but he could not get balanced enough to test Speroni, who made a comfortable save.

The half-time whistle blew with it remaining goalless. In spite of a dominant early spell from the Gunners, the hosts got into it slowly and really tested Arsenal. A deserved break with all to play for in the second half.

While Arsenal had the most possession, Palace were looking good. (Image Courtesy: PremierLeague.com)

It was the worst possible start for Crystal Palace in the second half. When Arsenal were about to cross the ball in, Guediora fouled Gnabry resulting in a penalty – clear call.

Mikel Arteta stepped up and scored for Arsenal, with the keeper diving to the left but unable to reach Arteta’s shot. All of Palace’s work in the first half had been undone within moments. 

GIF: Guediora fouls Gnabry, and Arteta scores the penalty.

Gnabry almost made it two for Arsenal when Ozil’s pass into the box caused trouble, but the ball just out-spun past the goal – to the relief of Palace fans and players.

An hour into the game and Arsenal were still leading, but Palace were still trying. The goal remained the difference as the game still had a lot to give, and Palace may have been losing but their resolve was not yet dampened. 

Then, the odds were back on to Palace.

Goalscorer Mikel Arteta was sent off for a foul on Marouane Chamakh that possibly denied a goalscoring opportunity. Turning point?

GIF: Arteta was sent off for this foul

Having been substituted on early in the game, Serge Gnabry was substituted off with twenty minutes remaining. Wilshere was introduced as Wenger looked to get a tighter hold on the game and defend the lead.

Szczęsny made two incredible saved within one minute to maintain Arsenal’s lead. The first came onto the bar and the second was denying a volley. Incredible.

GIF: Szczesny thwarts Palace’s closest chances

Crystal Palace began to pick up possession too, Arsenal were needing to get their men behind the ball. 

A great run from Nacho Monreal almost put the game to bed as he couldn’t find anyone in the box so manipulated himself through the defenders. His shot however was thwarted by the keeper. 

Down to 10 men, Arsenal continued to work, and eventually a goal from Giroud would have the three points sealed.

Ramsey held the ball up and awaited Giroud’s entrance, putting up a light cross for Giroud to head home and double Arsenal’s lead.

GIF: Giroud scores Arsenal’s second

Crystal Palace still wouldn’t give up, as they had a half-chance back at the other end.

The time ticked down, with Arsenal cruising to the victory after another class performance. While it may have been frustrating for the first half, they sorted themselves out in the second.

And the full time whistle blew, with Arsenal the victors.



THE BREAKDOWN
Breaking down the game with analysis and the main headlines

FLAMINI: Injury Could be Bad News for Arsenal
Mathieu Flamini’s absence in the game was clear when he was subbed off. However, Arsenal managed to get the win. How will they fare if Flamini’s injury is severe meaning he will miss the next big games?

FIRST HALF OVERVIEW: Arsenal Dominance Unable to Foil Eagles
Arsenal started the first half on a flyer. Crystal Palace had no answer to their play, except denying the goal. That would give them some leverage.

PROGRESSION: Palace Go From Being Dominated to Worrying ArsenalThe final fifteen minutes of the first half is when we saw a very different Crystal Palace. They really put Arsenal on the backfoot on a few occasions.

FINISHING: Lack of Finishing Quality Leaves First Half GoallessArsenals chances and Crystal Palace’s chances came, and went. There was no decent finishing quality on display in the first 45.

PENALTY: Crystal Palace’s First Half Hard Work Undone Instantaneously
Crystal Palace did a lot to keep on even ground with Arsenal. But it just took one foul to put that away.

ARTETA: Red Card Is Not the Turning PointIt was possible that Arsenal may have been exposed when Arteta was sent off. The second Arsenal player to score and be sent off in the same game makes the difference with his penalty, not his sending off.

GIROUD: Goal Finishes Off Palace
Giroud’s goal just showed his quality and more importantly guaranteed the three points.

ARSENAL: Class Gunners Performance Down to 10 Men 
Arsenal were a class team throughout. They were able to overcome frustration the game and could have easily just been broken down. But they played to the last minute, likewise with Palace.

CRYSTAL PALACE: Big Takeaways From Positive Game
They may have not got the result, but it was a positive performance from Crystal Palace. Fantastic effort, but the red card just damaged them. Plenty to work on, but plenty to take away.

MAN OF THE MATCH
Who was the best player in the game?

Wojech Szczesny
A great performance in between the sticks for Arsenal’s keeper. Two great saves in the defining moments when he tipped it onto the bar and stopped a volley give him the edge.

TALKING POINTS
The main talking points of the game. The questions that we could go on and on about, but the questions that we let you talk about. Sound off in response to some of the questions below using the comments section at the bottom of the page or Tweet Us with the hashtag #TSMChat.

• Should Mikel Arteta have been sent off?
  Goalscorer Mikel Arteta received a red card for a foul on Chamakh. Arteta was the last defender when he fouled Chamakh, but Chamakh still had a lot of yards to cover before he posed a real threat. Did he really deny a goalscoring opportunity? Should he have been sent off?

THE FINAL SAY
The game in a summary with analysis.

Arsenal come out all guns ablaze in the first half hour. However, Crystal Palace don’t give in and go into the first half with a positive clean sheet. But the penalty turns it around in a wasteful foul allowing Arsenal to take the advantage. In spite of this, Crystal Palace defiantly play to the end yet don’t get the result.

Arsenal’s win guaranteed ending another weekend topping the table.

For a manager-less Palace, it was a decent performance but the errors were clear on what to work on.

Its a needed win for Arsenal who now face a very tough footballing schedule in the coming weeks.

 Arsenal see of a defiant Crystal Palace. Arteta’s penalty and Giroud’s header pay divident in the game that puts them on top once again. For Palace, its a much different story for the manager-less team.

 By Nisar Khan – Read more articles from this author

TheSportMatrix.com

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BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE: Van Persie & Rooney Put Champions Back on Track

KICK-OFF: Saturday 14 September at 12:45pm. (BST) (GAMEWEEK 4) at Old Trafford, Manchester.

By Nisar Khan

MANCHESTER – David Moyes got his first home win as Manchester United manager as the Champions prevailed over Crystal Palace.
 



STARTING LINE-UPS:

MATCH COVERAGE:

Wayne Rooney was sporting a headband in a somewhat comical look as he protected his head injury that ruled him out of England’s games during the International break. 

Upon the referee’s whistle, The Red Devils would swiftly get on the front foot at Old Trafford with a flurry of offense concluding in a corner which fell easily to the hands of Julian Speroni. Robin van Persie was making a lot of noise as the game started, although he and his team were unable to strike early in front of the home crowd.

An excellent series of play between Fabio and Valencia ended up in a penalty appeal from Patrice Evra – although it was waved off. The Frenchman seemed to go down rather easily, and a good call from the referee. 

The majority of the first twenty minutes was swaying in the Champions’ favor. They kept a decisive grip of the game although not posing any serious threats to that point in time.

Something of the usual one may presume, as Ashley Young dived again in desperation seemingly. But in all honesty, he seemed more desperate for when he got the first booking of the game.

The Visitors really had to defend hard as the first quarter of the match was passed. United found their rhythm but were kept at bay by the Eagles. Both Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney showing good signs, right up until goal where they leave Speroni unfazed.

The home side took to another level as they continued to press, but despite all the good play there were no legitimate chances. Palace seemed comfortable on the defense but as the first half neared it’s end, a few disastrous minutes had Holloway’s side in turmoil.

Ashley Young was taken down in the box by Kagisho Dikgacoi in the box just minutes before half-time. A small delay before the referee ruled the penalty, and sent off Dikgacoi. Robin van Persie stepped up and drilled it into the bottom left corner to give United the lead.

Robin van Persie scored the penalty that was controversially called (via PremierLeague.com)

Was it a penalty though? 

The referee seemed to make a guess, judging by where he was standing. Ashley Young may have indeed deceived referee John Moss.

The pivotal goal and sending off in the pivotal time. Complexion of the whole game completely changed with van Persie’s goal and the sending off. All at the time when it was going quite well for Holloway’s side. Was it Game Over?

Hard work pays off? Seemingly not for the Eagles. Having worked their socks off to keep United at bay, it is the most of unfortunate that controversy may have ruined the game for Crystal Palace. First half down, but how would Palace try to revive themselves?

Ashley Young goes down in the box (via BBC Sport)

The Visitors got the proceedings underway at the start of the second half. They once again began on the backfoot with Manchester United giving them a little more to work on. Crystal Palace did not give up though, continuing to try and get the equalizer – or at least limit any further damage to a minimum.

Things went to a more even standpoint as the hour mark approached. Fellaini made his debut for Manchester United in front of a welcoming home crowd. The Belgian replaced Anderson who really seemed unapparent during the match. Fellaini made his first shot a good one as it tested Speroni when he chested it down and took a long-range shot.

The game followed a formulaic stand for the remainder, as Crystal Palace had to defend Speroni’s goal time and time again from an onslaught by the Red Devils.

Manchester United relaxed for the remainder, a great performance by van Persie was capped off when he was subbed off for Hernandez. Also, Januzaj took to the pitch in replacement for Ashley Young.

Wayne Rooney stepped up in the 81st minute to a free-kick. He curled it into the bottom corner to seal the three points for Manchester United. Huge encouragement for the team and for Rooney. 

Rooney is back to scoring ways (Courtesy: GETTY IMAGES)

And the final whistle blew. United win 2 – 0, and the crisis may be considered over.

THE BREAKDOWN:

43RD MINUTE TURMOIL
The Eagles were staying put against Manchester United and managed to keep them at bay. But when Dikgacoi fouled Ashley Young it was a definite red card if the penalty was ruled. From then on, it was set to be damage limitation for the Eagles.

ROONEY AND VAN PERSIE LINK-UP
Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie looked pretty good as a striking duo. In the first half they had their chances – although none too legitimate – but both seemed content with one another, and that’s a good thing for the Champion.

PENALTY OR NOT?
If a penalty was given, then the red card should have been given. But let’s take a few steps back here, should it have even been a penalty. Take a look at the referee’s positioning, he must have guessed that it was a penalty. Maybe Dikgacoi should not have been sent off… but Ashley Young should have! He ran straight towards the defender leaving Dikgacoi nowhere to go, maybe Young himself should have received a double-booking and been sent off.

CONTROVERSY SURROUNDS ASHLEY YOUNG
Ashley Young seemed to be throwing himself around like a ragdoll, especially in the first half. The winger seemed to be diving about and managed to deceive the referee for the penalty.

DID JOHN MOSS RUIN THE GAME?
Referee John Moss may be blamed by a few for the wrong penalty decision. In essence, that call may have ruined the game. But then again, he only has one look at it, so we couldn’t do any beter.

BACK TO SCORING
Wayne Rooney’s free kick makes a bold statement going forward. A real uplifting goal for Rooney and Manchester United.

UNITED’S NEW FOUND KILLER – FREE KICKS
Free kicks are going to be something fundamental for United. With Fellaini, Rooney among others being able to really nail free-kicks, it can be a lethal weapon going forward.

MOYES’ FIRST HOME WIN
More uplifts for Moyes. Albeit over a promoted site, Moyes has won at Old Trafford, some relief, but it was a win expected.

THE TALKING POINTS:

The biggest questions from the game. Sound off in the comments below, or Tweet Us using the hashtag #TSMChat.

• Was it really a penalty for Manchester United, or another dive from Ashley Young?
• Had it not been the penalty and sending off, how would you rate Palace’s chances of winning the game?
• Who should have got the red card? Dikgacoi, or Ashley Young receiving a second booking for a dive, or was it even a dive?
• Did John Moss ruin the game? Or was his decision correct?
• Is the van Persie and Wayne Rooney combination a long-term solution for United?

STATS:

MAN OF THE MATCH:

THE FINAL SAY:

Uplifting win for Manchester United. Crystal Palace may feel some injustice, but it was a decent performance nonetheless by the Champions. We could talk about the penalty decision all day, but the fact of the matter is that is how it goes. Entertaining game, hopefully the controversy is not a regular occurrence. United still have work to do though.

It may be that the first goal was controversial, but take nothing away from the second. Manchester United pick up three points with David Moyes first home win, and the Champions replenish their quest to retain.

 By Nisar Khan

TheSportMatrix.com

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BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE: The Eagles are Flying Again

KICK-OFF: Saturday 31 August at 5:30pm. (BST)

(GAMEWEEK 3) at AnfiekdPark, Croydon, London.

By TheSportMatrix.com

CROYDON – A victory in this game at Selhurst Park would have been uplifting for either teams after both Ian Holloway and Paola Di Cannio’s clubs have suffered a rather uncomfortable couple of weeks. But it was Palace who came out on top, thanks to an early goal from Gabbidon and then a delightful strike from substitute O’Keefe to secure the win for Palace.

Ian Holloway’s squad clinched their first win of the season. (via PremierLeague)

STARTING LINE-UPS:


MATCH COVERAGE:

KICK-OFF Under the watchful eye of the bald eagle, Crystal Palace & Sunderland get under way at Selhurst Park #CRYSUN pic.twitter.com/e2GQsHleWk
— Premier League (@premierleague) August 31, 2013

Palace squeeze the ball over the line to take an early lead. (via Premier League)

At the 9th minute mark, there was a scramble near the box as Campana swung in a corner, which dodged everyone at the near post until Dikgacoi got a small tap of the ball which then hits the ankle of Gabbidon, before crossing over the line in a truly bizarre and unpretty sequence.

The first half was mostly Crystal Palace, moving the ball excellently around the deep Sunderland defence. The Saints did not just look out of sorts on defence, but also on attack, making little opportunities, in which was an abysmal display of football on their behalf. Going into halftime, it was obvious that Palace deserved the lead, and also that Di Cannio was not going to be a happy man in that locker room.

Fletcher celebrates levelling for Sunderland at Palace.

The 2nd half consisted of pretty much the same as the first half, but after spurning many chances, Palace paid the price. At the 64th minute, Steven Fletcher, making his return from injury, marked his comeback with a superb header beating GK Speroni all ends up. Fletcher hung in the box, avoiding his marker and made sure that his header was going to cross the line with an emphatic attempt with a great result.

78 minutes in, and all to play for, skipper John O’Shea gives away a ludicrous foul, a loose, clumsy foul. The Captain received a red-card amidst elation from the Selhurst Park crowd as young forward Dwight Gayle, looking nervous, buries the penalty to give Palace the upper hand.

Crystal Palace still clinging to the 1 goal lead, bring on Aaron Wilbraham & Stuart O’Keefe to protect the lead.

In the closing stages, Di Cannio still optimistic, and angry, urged on his team, but it doesn’t look like it’s going to happen, especially with 1 man down. And that was right, as in the 91st minute, substitute O’Keefe scores an absolute fabulous left-foot shot off the underside of the bar from 20 yards.

It is all over.

STATS:

MAN OF THE MATCH:

TSM Man of the Match – Danny Gabbidon.

THE FINAL SAY:

Crystal Palace will be happy with their performance after running the game fantastically on both sides of the field, and as for Sunderland, there are many questions to be answered.

By TheSportMatrix

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BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE: NEGREDO, TOURÉ, TAME TIGERS

BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE: Soldado Penalty Puts Spurs on Steady Start

KICK-OFF: Sunday 18 August at 1:30pm.
(GAMEWEEK 1) at Selhurst Park, South London.

By Nisar Khan

Roberto Soldado’s 49th minute penalty proved the difference between Tottenham and Crystal Palace as they began their Premier League campaigns.

Spurs hit the ground running, with a solid effort on both sides of the field. (via BarclaysPremierLeague)

Selhurst Park was provided with an electric atmosphere throughout the game, as the thousands of passionate Crystal Palace fans showed their support for the newly-promoted team and made themselves heard. 

Spurs gave away the ball early, when the ball was cleared away under no pressure at all, but nothing came from the possession. Crystal Palace had a very sturdy defense and this was on full display when Danny Rose and Jan Vertonghen were stringing together some play but they were bombarded with defenders.

A strategy was quickly established from those at home, Crystal Palace were inviting Tottenham on, blocking them off then trying to attack on the break. However as the game progressed, that strategy seemed to wear off as Palace got in the game and it flowed. There were a few promising spots around the 20 minute mark, and to further show the progress, Tottenham looked like they were struggling under the pressure. 

Tottenham were patiently waiting for the opening but Palace were not giving in. While both teams had their chances. The final 15 minutes of the first half was a good spell for Aaron Lennon who was causing some trouble for Crystal Palace – luckily the defenders crammed in to deny him. 

Julian Speroni played an influential part in keeping Crystal Palace even with Tottenham, making a great save when it could have been creeping into the goal just under the bar. As the first half drew to a close, Crystal Palace had a brief counter attack although nothing materialized. The final chance of the half came when Tottenham’s Nacer Chadli headed towards goal but it went over the frame of the goal followed by the half time whistle being blown.

The teams finished the first 45 minutes on even ground, Tottenham with more chances but Crystal Palace went in optimistic with the possibility of some counter attacks coming into fruition. The expectancy of Roberto Soldado had not yet been fulfilled, with just two mediocre chances that really had slim chances of being converted. Teammates Aaron Lennon and Kyle Walker have looked deadly on the flanks and also Danny Rose had a lot of contribution. Palace can be grateful that the final ball that would ultimately assist the goal had been poor. Keeping Palace in it in the first half was their defense, the numbers game gave them an edge to keep out Tottenham, but they were unable to go from defense to attack because the defense was prioritizedT too much. All even as the second half began.

Crystal Palace have been defending too much to attack. That’s their first half story. #BPL #CRYTOT
— TheSportMatrix (@TheSportMatrix) August 18, 2013

Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspurs started off the second half unchanged. Palace started off with a promising piece of play that was cut out promptly. A penalty was awarded to Tottenham in the 48th minute as they one claim for a penalty was denied, but when Aaron Lennon crossed the ball in, Moxey got in the way and it was declared a handball. Unlucky for Moxey considering his performance before the handball, but the risk of throwing himself at the ball had a consequence.

Roberto Soldado stepped up, and scored. The Spaniard scored his first Premier League goal, that could be one of many to come. Well taken penalty placed nicely into the left bottom corner.



Roberto Soldado takes the penalty. (via FutbolBible)

Crystal Palace kept on working and they did not crumble as the fans in attendance were cheering on their revival attempt. Manager Ian Holloway further added to this with a triple substitution, introducing Williams, Phillips and Chamakh. This trio added a flare to Palace’s game, with Phillips the fan favorite and the team looking revitalized. 

The Spurs’ defenders were nowhere to be seen when Palace broke from the corner, it was a heart-in-the-mouth situation as Danny Rose and Dwight Gayle sprinted ferociously for the ball, with Rose prevailing after the referee called a foul – much to the disarray of Palace fans. 

Palace looked tired after that, and this allowed Soldado and Chadli to have a crack at goal, but they failed to double the lead. Shortly after, Hugo Lloris found himself making a terrific save to deny Crystal Palace yet again. 

Goalscorer Roberto Soldado was substituted in the 82nd minute in replacement for Jermain Defoe. After the fans were roaring during a Palace corner, Defoe had the ball and was racing away, but he was bombarded by defenders and it went out for a Spurs’ throw-in. Maybe not the super-sub at that time, but then another substitute was introduced, as Younis Kaboul returned and gave Tottenham some height in defense to fight off Palace who were making a push. Defoe had another chance that skimmed wide a few minutes later.

Crystal Palace came close in the 89th minute, but a double-save by Lloris maintained the lead, as part of a great performance in front of goal. They continued to push and push, but if they did manage to make it through the defense, Lloris would be the strong last barrier.

THE BREAKDOWN:

LOSS IN THE FIRST HALF

There is no doubt in Crystal Palace’s performance was promising and optimistic, but it may have been there first half performance that cost them, because they focused far too much on defense and not enough on attack. 

HOME SPIRIT SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO

The fans at Selhurst Park were incredible during the game, providing an amazing atmosphere. This will definitely encourage them for the future, and I look forward to more games at Selhurst Park. 
 TOTTENHAM FINALLY AHEAD OF ARSENAL, BUT IS MOMENTARILY?

Tottenham are ahead of Arsenal… for now. But how will they fare in the future. They’ve picked up a big win to start the season. 

ENCOURAGING WIN WITHOUT BALE

Tottenham’s win without Gareth Bale could mark encouragement for Spurs’ and the fans. The Bale saga may have dominated their pre-season, but winning in his absence due to injury is encouraging if Bale leaves, and if he doesn’t, even better!

FAN FAVORITE: Kevin Phillips

Kevin Phillips received the best ovation from the fans, and he received a lot of encouragement. It is great to see him playing and hopefully he will be a cornerstone to their success.

SAVED BY THE PENALTY: Roberto Soldado

Soldado’s performance before the Penalty was rather lackluster, but the penalty saved it for him. Who knows, had he missed, he would have been subject to much criticism.  

TRIO OF CHANGE: A little too late?

Hollway’s introduction of Chamakh, Phillips and Williams revitalized Palace, but it seemed a little too late.

STATS:

                                          via BBCSport

Paulinho – Man of the Match.

THE FINAL SAY:

Tottenham are made to work very hard for the win, but this performance by Crystal Palace is a lot to take towards the future. Soldado on the scoresheet on his debut which is more of things to come. A tough place to go is Selhurst Park, and they provided a great atmosphere. Unlucky for Palace to lose like that, but in the future, things are looking up.

New signing Soldado gave Tottenham the lift. (via BBC Sport)

Soldado’s penalty is the difference today, but more wins could becoming Palace’s way.

By Nisar Khan

TheSportMatrix.com

 – Sports for the Fans, by the Fans.

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BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE: Preview Series, 2013/14 – Crystal Palace

By Waqar Hussain

Crystal Palace got through to the pinnacle of English football through the play-offs. In this article we preview their chances in the Premier League this season. We will be rating each position in their squad with old-school letters, A for good, F for bad.

Predicted Finish:11th

Predicted Main Man – Dwight Gayle 
Predicted Flop of the Year – Kevin Phillips

Squad 

Goalkeepers: Grade D+

Julian Speroni

.The Eagles soared through the play-offs. (via LegacyMedia)

Lewis Price

Defenders: Grade C-

Joel Ward

Jonathan Parr

Paddy McCarthy (captain)

Yannick Bolasie

Darcy Blake

Dean Moxey

Matthew Parsons

Damien Delaney

Peter Ramage

Danny Gabbidon

Alex Wynter Quade Taylor Jerome Williams

Kevin Phillips is in the top tier again. (via i.smimg.com)

 
Midfielders: Grade D-

José Campaña

Yannick Bolasie

Kagisho Dikgacoi

Owen Garvan

Stuart O’Keefe

Mile Jedinak

Jonathan Williams

Kyle De Silva

Hiram Boateng

Jerome Thomas

Elliot Grandin

Forwards: Grade D

Kevin Phillips

Stephen Dobbie

Dwight Gayle

Glenn Murray

Aaron Wilbraham

Verdict:

Crystal Palace are the only promoted side that I think will actually stay up. They may have lost a huge talent in Wilfried Zaha, but soared through the play-offs and looked good enough for me to say that they will stay in the Premier League this year. Ian Holloway got Blackpool promoted and had a rollercoaster season before being relegated but he has the experience and calm-head to do just that.

I always think that for a newly promoted side, a stern and gritty defence is always the start of something good and players like Paddy McCarthy and Jonathan Parr have to take charge and lead the Eagles to safety. Julian Speroni is also a safe pair of hands in goal and he showcased that in the League Cup semi-finals a couple of years ago.
Obviously, when the best player in the team leaves for greater heights, it is always going to have a tantalising effect on his fellow teammates, but the Palace players look like they have dealt with it well during pre-season and Ian Holloway will be drilling into them the fact that no player is bigger than the club.

Dwight Gayle has been brought in by Palace to score goals, and this lad is a real talent, a genuine goalscorer who is a potent attacking machine. He will link up with veteran signing Kevin Phillips and a mix of youth and experience always has a good effect on a team.

Overall, I think that the Eagles are good enough to cement their place in the Premier League and if they do the right business in the transfer market, they might be challenging possibly for Europa League spots in a few seasons time.

 
 By Waqar Hussain
TheSportMatrix.com

 – Sports for the Fans, by the Fans.

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