It was, but he did However, as in their last match, Palace played Zaha mostly down the middle with Townsend
Two minutes to go we get a free kick 20 yards from goal. Step forward Holebas. Couldn’t clear the first ******* man! The free kick was set up for someone with a right foot anyway Apart from that, I thought we done ok. Special mention to Capoue who I thought was immense
2 games running Gray's made a run off the defender, only to receive a crap ball. The irony is that when Troy's up there on his own, the team can't wait to put inch perfect balls over the top that he's never going to catch.
An entertaining game which we probably should have won, but could easily have lost, so happy with a draw and another point that will surely stop even the most feeble minded stressing about relegation. As an aside, can the 1881 not give out something biodegradable instead of sheets of plastic next time they organise a pre-match display? What was it anyway? Near me people were holding up white squares. Is that what it was - a giant white 'we surrender' flag?
God, and I include myself in this, but let’s criticise the things that matter to us on the whole. I agree the use of single-use plastics is crazy and needs approached. But having a pop at a fans group who act on behalf of all of us on a shoestring budget? Not really up for that.
How poor were our set plays again! We had 2/3 which ended up with Palace winning their own free kick in our half... The foil seemed to be an England flag - was that a dig at the Pozzos!?
Come on, that excuse doesn't hold up. He's had hardly anything to do for about 6 weeks. He's simply a very raw talent that should have had a loan spell in an easy league.
Have to be happy with that, as I was so certain that Palace would win. Decent atmosphere, and an improvement in performance from the team. Was it confirmed that Kiko was one of the players who'd been ill during the week? Seemed strange to drop him otherwise. We looked better with 2 up top, but still lack cutting edge. Lets hope we see Cucho here next season (unlikely I know). Dominated the first half, Palace had a 20/25 min spell of superiority in the second half despite some claiming on social media "they battered us" - definitely not, and a draw probably fair. Zaha penalty claim - having seen the replay, I'm surprised people are saying it was a penalty. Another example of him feeling contact and theatrically dropping to the floor. Glad the ref saw through it. Contact does not mean foul. Unlike Richarlison against Arsenal, Richy had just ran past Bellerin at warp speed where any touch will send you sprawling - Zaha was virtually standing still before he moved for the ball. He proved today why he has the reputation he does. Make your own minds up here: https://twitter.com/doctordubbs/status/987718429577744384 On to Spurs, who have now lost their last 3 games at Wembley - I wonder what will happen? What's the least likely for the remainder of the season - another point or another goal?
Cracking atmosphere today especially as Palace fans normally win the noise battle, not this time. Great first half but I thought some players looked tired in the second half and went long too often. Did anyone else see Elton in a green sequin jacket, we've got some weird fans. Draw is not a bad result.
6 without a win now. Failed to score now in 7 of Gracia’s 12 matches in charge. Still, hopefully that’s one more match nearer his imminent exit.
Our first half was brilliant when compared with the last few games - a real chalk and cheese comparison. Great intensity and bite to the challenges (mostly fair), our closing down never let them settle. We also seemed to be first to every loose ball in the middle of the park. ...and our defence did their job and held out well. Keeping the likes of Milivojevic, Zaha, Townsend, Benteke, Loftus-Cheek and Cabaye down to a handful of chances is no easy feat. It is a shame that we were let down at the other end, yet again, but both the two up front put some real effort in.
We were by far the better side in the first half but actually created little. Palace were the better side for the first 20 minutes of the second half when they had a couple of decent chances before we got back on top. A draw was probaley a fair result and from our point of view the least we deserved. Ref had a poor game, both Ward and Zaha would have seen 2nd yellows on another day. Thought the home atmosphere was pretty good. The fabled Palace away support has become very quiet. Cathcart and Kabasele looked promising, Capoue had a really good game as did Hughes & Pereya. Okakka started brightly but faded and I didnt see anything today that makes me think that switching back to 2 up front is the way forward, especially when everyone is back fit. As has been said, Holebas needs to be taken off set piece duty.
I enjoyed that in a gnawing my own head off anxious kind of way. A great atmosphere for the whole game,well done to everyone. It was very encouraging to see the energy,enthusiasm and intensity displayed.They certainly played for themselves,Gravy and us today. Happy with a point. I'm beginning to think Chas has been back in Brazil since November and been replaced by a small hen in its late 40s. Let's hope RP is ok.
Also, thought Deeney had a better game and a great clearance off the line. Then again he wasnt required to be an out and out targetman today
Guardiola could have been in charge and struggled to get goals out of that side. Deeney and Okaka have 4 goals between them in nearly 33 hours of football. We can keep on blaming whichever poor sod takes the thankless task of coaching the side, or we can lay the blame at the appalling recruitment.
I see the ref getting a bit of stick but it was clearly a very challenging game to handle. Both sides were at each other from the off and there were loads of tactical fouls and flare ups over nothing. The impression I got watching from afar (with the benefit of replays) was he got most things right in a game packed with 50/50 tackles. There's an argument for Ward not being sent off in injury time being probably the only thing he got outright wrong.
Your posts are normally great. But Jesus. You’re saying we should have loaned him out? He’s not helped himself in terms of progression, but he’s played 2 seasons of football back to back. We have a really good footballer on our hands - it’s mental not the protect him.
So today me and my son and about 50 other people were stranded outside the SEJ at 2.45pm when our ST's decided not to work. Chief ticket bloke came along from the ticket office and couldn't have been less helpful if he'd tried. What is it about being in positions of power that makes people arrogant and unhelpful. Been a season ticket holder for god knows how many years and treated as if I'm trying to get in for free. C***.
I agree, I thought the ref did well in a really tricky game. But I think Doucoure was lucky to escape getting sent off in first half, though.
Thanks for the Elton spot. I saw him but just wondered why he was dressed like that on a hot day! Very odd. More Biggins that SEJ.
Actually quite enjoyed the game and thought we played quite well. Mariappa is not a right back as long as I have a hole in my ar5e but in fairness he did very well although helped by the fact they played Zaha up front. God knows why. I’m not there is a player out there playing currently who I dislike more. All the talent in the world but basically a cheat. Good to have Cathcart back and looked good with Kabesele. Holebas, never liked him, terrible set pieces and attitude. Midfield we definitely don’t need strengthening. Cleverley and Chalobah still to come back as well. Thought Hughes, Pereyra and especially Capoue were excellent although Doucoure was poor. Good to see two up front and it certainly made us the better side in the first half with Deeney winning a fair amount in the air and Okaka making some good runs. Not great but plenty to give us some encouragement for next season
Or we can lay the blame at both of course. We’ve not recruited well up top, and I believe an opportunity was squandered in January there too. However, isn’t it also valid to question Gracia too? Under him Doucoure has failed to add to his 7 goals that made him our leading scorer. Richarlison has failed to add to his 5. Like most other people, I don’t believe Gray the answer, but when Gracia took over he was our top-scoring forward, yet under him he’s failed to start. As has already been pointed out on here, we do have players who have been finding the net this season. Yet under our current Head Coach we’ve now drawn seven blanks from twelve matches. If people are happy with those returns, then fine. Obviously he’s been a good appointment and the future would be bright should he stay past summer.
I agree entirely about Haha. I really think he should leave Palace and test himself in a better team. He is very able but still appears to have the mind of a teenager. In danger of becoming a parody of himself.
Not 'having a pop' just suggesting that an eco-friendly alternative to plastic sheets be sourced for the next 1881 demonstration. That's all.
Maybe. Some other refs would definitely have given him a second yellow for that. As an aside, I wondered at the time if that was premeditated. ie Was the plan that the first time Zaha went down in the box with nothing given he immediately gets angrily confronted by a Watford player or two openly accusing him of diving? It sent a really clear message to the ref and must have been in his mind when Zaha went down later on.
Good point, as soon as it happened I thought that it was going to put some pressure on the ref. But it was premeditated, someone who hadn't been booked should have pushed Zaha.
Usually happens when a player run his nuts off, works hard and runs into the channels to create space for others. No surprise that Troy always seems to play out the 90, he doesn't do any of the above and is basically just a statue. What do I know though, i'm just a 'fan', eh Troy. Okaka also has barely played this season, so pretty obvious that he's going to tire quicker than anyone else, he's not 100% match fit.
One thing I saw a lot of today was effort from the players. Most put in a good shift which was good to watch. However, the team is completely void of any sort of tactics. I can’t see what the point of our play is and no wonder we do not score. Long ball to Deeney/Okaka always above head height. Battle to win ball, then what? Or work the ball out wide then what? Or my favourite of all - holebas takes corner or throw in. Take an age to do and do the exact same thing every time with no variation or creativity. I saw a video on YouTube this week of the players scoring against the goalies but it was completely pointless as there were no defence or any sort of pressure to mimic a game scenario and even then the movement going on isn’t what we play in the game? I didn’t think getting rid of Gracia was the answer, but after watching todays game I’m firmly in the Gracia out camp.
There have been many victims of our depressing and deflating season. But the most troubling by far is Malt, who used to write long passionate posts, encouraging and inspiring optimism. Just look at the post above. Watford FC, you should be ashamed.
