Crystal Palace (H) Post Match Thread

[Len Rum]

Pep picked a team today both to ensure that no player would have to plat too many minutes of a crowded schedule in December and over Christmas and new year. Certain players were not available because of injury but the side he fielded was certainly good enough to beat Palace. Nine times out of ten it would have done so, even though we did not play well. What must be stressed is that for at least the last season we have taken for granted that City will play very well indeed and on the rare occasions we don't we will have such spirit and will to win that we will overcome all but the most talented opponents even when missing some of our best players. It is impossible that this would be the case indefinitely and today was the day we couldn't pull it out of the fire. We didn't play well, certain players were really off form but we don't moan about them because all players have such periods of poor form and they certainly don't decide to play poorly. As Marvin said earlier, we win as a team and we lose as a team and even today it took goals of rare quality to win it for Palace. The first was an excellent finish and the second was a goal the like of which Townshend may never score again. For shock value I can only compare it to the screamer Bournmouth got at their place last season. I suspect we will lose again this season because getting a hundred points in a season is certainly not the norm, even for this City team and we are not showing last season the respect it deserves if we ever think it is. I suspect Liverpool will lose and drop points too, so the title race is not over and some of the angry, panic stricken posts on here are quite disgraceful. We are unlikely to cruise to the title 19 points clear again.

Understand what you're saying in terms of 'blue sky', 'big picture' thinking mate but the reality is that it was a poor team selection by pep that cost us, nothing more, nothing less.

 

[supercity88]

Not taking our chances was one issue, poor defending another but the season is long and we had to make changes. Still should have won the game with the players we have.

Walker is the man that needs a rest as shown again...Stones should have played RB with Gundogan, Bernardo and Foden in the middle.

One of those days though...

4pts is nothing. We would still feel we could lose the title with that lead. Aguero and De Bruyne now able to start games, Fernandinho hopefully back soon and Silva too. Win our next three and we are 1pt behind if Liverpool beat Newcastle and Arsenal.

It is game on this season and the players need to step it up now. Walker needs a rest. Danilo needs to play but let's not get carried away with one defeat, even if it is our second in quick succession in the league considering previous results without one! We are a great side and need to now show it. Defending the title is never easy and we are in better position to do it than we have been in previous attempts.

 

[Tevez City]

I think Stones - Gundogan and Bernardo are not the right combination.

IF Fernandinho is not available then Gundogan should replace him, and Mahrez or Foden should play with Bernardo.

 

[Metalartin]

Not a typical performance, not our strongest lineup and not a typical game.

Their first shot is a goal, their second goal was a worldie... why do players save their best shots they'll hit all season for City? Liverpool seem to get the opposite this season, they have players sky sitters against them or better yet pass the ball to Alisson, so the commentators can wank off over it. The less I say about Walker the better, we simply need Danilo back.

It's not what we needed but what's done is done, hopefully Liverpool will have a few days like this, those acting like this form/run of results is normal for them are forgetting where Liverpool have come from. If it can happen to us, it can definitely happen to them.

 

[citytilllidie]

Pep has to take the blame today.
He played Stones in midfield against Leicester and we got the draw, with Leicester coming strong in the second half.
I thought then, well that didn't work, Stones doesn't have the technical ability of a midfielder.
When I heard the team being read out today, I thought Pep had lost the plot.
Had he witnessed something different at Leicester?
Also, Walker defensively was/is very poor, he had a hand in all of their goals. Going forward, which is his forte, was also lacking today.
Very down at the moment, media blackout incoming

 

[r.soleofsalford]

Pep has to take the blame today.
He played Stones in midfield against Leicester and we got the draw, with Leicester coming strong in the second half.
I thought then, well that didn't work, Stones doesn't have the technical ability of a midfielder.
When I heard the team being read out today, I thought Pep had lost the plot.
Had he witnessed something different at Leicester?
Also, Walker defensively was/is very poor, he had a hand in all of their goals. Going forward, which is his forte, was also lacking today.
Very down at the moment, media blackout incoming

I couldnt stomach motd might watch tomorrow when I`ve slept on it.

 

[Zin 'messiah' Zimmer]

Ah mate. Similar story myself. Had a knack for it (despite being appalling at maths- had to learn pot odds & equity from scratch) and was able to build a roll. You should get back into it! Next time you’re in London give me a shout & we’ll go to the Vic. Should definitely try and set up a Bluemoon game again though, would be great!

Is the gutsgot still going?

 

[northwichblue]

Someone is going to get absolutely smashed fairly soon.

KDB was all over the field when he came on. If teams sit that deep with him there, it will be punished.

I predict a 5 goal thumping for our next opponents

LOL

 

[Tricky_Trev]

Pep has to take the blame today.
He played Stones in midfield against Leicester and we got the draw, with Leicester coming strong in the second half.
I thought then, well that didn't work, Stones doesn't have the technical ability of a midfielder.
When I heard the team being read out today, I thought Pep had lost the plot.
Had he witnessed something different at Leicester?
Also, Walker defensively was/is very poor, he had a hand in all of their goals. Going forward, which is his forte, was also lacking today.
Very down at the moment, media blackout incoming

The Stones decision was terrible considering what we saw at Leicester. How he thought we needed a bit more of that i’ll never know. It’s not like we didn’t have other options. If he didn’t want to start KDB then there is absolutely no excuse for Foden not starting that match. None at all.

It’s interesting how we all see Walker differently. I’ve never seen going forward as being his forte. He’s shite going forward. It requires technique and he doesn’t have any. I feel like his pace creates an illusion of being good going forward.

 

[Beanhead]

Call me a glutton for punishment but I’ve watched that Townsend strike about 5 times now... was an absolute worldy.. can’t recall seeing a better executed effort from that range. Maybe a few on a par but none better.

C*nt.