Crystal Palace vs. Southampton: Opposing fan’s view
By Chris Hughes
In Saturday’s early kick-off, Roy Hodgson will hope for a winning start to life at Crystal Palace as they host Southampton.
With zero goals and zero points from the first four games, life hasn’t been easy as a Palace supporter at the start of this season. But that could all change against Southampton.
The Saints have been in relatively uninspiring form themselves, with only a last-minute penalty securing them all three points against a ten-man West Ham last month. Mauricio Pellegrino’s men haven’t scored in three in all competitions, but Palace could provide the perfect setting to end the drought.
Times were tough for Frank de Boer as he attempted to turn a side crafted by Sam Allardyce into one that could fit his Ajax-bred philosophy, but lifelong Palace fan Angus Mainland thinks the sacking was harsh, but potentially needed.
"“I think most Palace fans agreed the sacking was very harsh coming so soon, giving de Boer four games was never going to be enough to get results and a new brand of football. “Rumours suggest he had already fallen out with multiple players, so maybe it was inevitable it was not going to work and better to end the experiment before any more damage was done.”"
Much like the Saints, Palace were fairly inactive in the transfer market – with Southampton making just three senior signings and the latter making four. Both sides failed to add anything to inconsistent attacking lines and it’s arguably the main reason why the two have struggled in front of goal.
Palace obviously haven’t scored in any shape or form in the league, and Angus thinks it’s down to the defensively-orientated recruitment.
"“Our activity in the transfer window was poor. We needed to strengthen in order to implement de Boer’s style and only managed three signings before deadline day, two of which were loans.”"
Despite the defensive additions – which include £26 million splashed on Mamadou Sakho – it’s ironically Palace’s back-line that have struggled the most so far this season, despite firing blanks up top. Former Portsmouth full-back Joel Ward has notably struggled but all of the London side’s defenders have been prone to individual errors.
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"“It depends on what Hodgson can change in such a short period, but we’ve looked confused defensively and Joel Ward, you’ll be pleased to hear, has been struggling of late. “The majority of goals we have conceded this season have been individual errors so pressing our players when they’re in possession could see them looking uncomfortable again. “There isn’t much faith in our defence capabilities and I think we will sit back more against you, so get the ball moving around the final third with the occasional aerial ball and the nerves are going to take over. The players seem to have a fear of playing at home, an early goal will deflate everyone.”"
With Wilfried Zaha looking a stretch to start, Ruben Loftus-Cheek will look to be the main dangerman, connecting defense and midfield with powerful runs and intelligent vision. Christian Benteke will look to prove an aerial threat too, especially if Hodgson has the side playing it out wide and crossing it into the box.
But as a final thought ahead of tomorrow’s 12:30 PM kick-off at Selhurst Park, how does Angus rate Southampton’s start to the season?
"“From what I’ve seen your start has been fairly quiet. You’ve managed to pick up points you would expect but before the season got going I thought you would have turned a few of those draws into wins.“I think once you get a few more wins on the board you will kick on and end up around tenth with a pretty uneventful season (everyone at Palace will be very envious of that!)”"
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