Crystal Palace battled to a 2-0 victory over Burnley at Turf Moor, with goals from Wilfred Zaha and Jeffrey Schlupp ensuring Roy Hodgon’s side ended a five-game winless run in the Premier League.
Crystal Palace were 3-1 winners in their previous visit to Turf Moor, with the Eagles having won the three previous meetings against the hosts. As for the game itself, there was little to write home about in terms of the first half, which saw limited efforts at either end of the pitch, with the Eagles dominating possession.
It was a drab match in truth, though Ashely Barnes could have sparked some life into the game, had it not have been for a brick wall-like-touch squandering an inevitable shot on goal. Jordan Ayew later had a goal rightly ruled offside, before Wilfred Zaha opened the scoring in stoppage time with a solo effort.
However, in truth, Nick Pope was beaten far too easily at his near post. After a tepid first half, Burnley came into life, looking more like the side who’d scored six goals in two games. Erik Pieters rattled the side netting with an emphatic volley before Chris Wood wasted a golden opportunity after an injured Scott Dann left a gaping hole in defence.
The Kiwi continued to squander opportunities, with one effort cleared off the line and another brilliantly saved by the Palace keeper Vicente Guaita. Jeffrey Schlupp eventually sealed the three points for Palace, after the always reliable Ben Mee fluffed his clearance, handing the Ghanian the chance to score. However, Nick Pope has to once again take some blame for the goal; a weak performance between the sticks from the England international.
Scott Dann, brave or naive
Now in his seventh season at Crystal Palace, Scott Dann started his first game since August. A very composed defender, he was under little trouble throughout. However, after a knock in the first half worsened, Palace were almost made to pay with some naivety from the experienced defender.
With a substitution imminent, the Englishman got back to his feet to make a defensive clearance, before again falling to the ground which saw Chris Wood put through on goal and almost levelling the score. It may seem harsh but the defender should have used his years of experience to make a stoppage in the game.
Consistency, Consistency, Consistency
Sean Dyche has only used 18 players this season, effectively one matchday squad. A manager who takes a consistent approach, it had paid dividends since his time in the Premier League. After two straight 3-0 wins, Dyche was forced into making one change for the visit of Palace. Ashley Westwood, who was unavailable through suspension, was a costly absentee and his involvement could have added that creative spark to break down a stubborn Palace defence.
Mind the gap
A common denominator in recent seasons of the Premier League is the gulf in quality from the so-called top-six. However, the first third of the campaign has seemed to eradicate this altogether. With Leicester currently second in the league and the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United just as close to the relegation zone as to the Champions League places, who knows how the season will pan out.
And this is no different for the Clarets and Eagles. Burnley, who missed an opportunity to go fifth this weekend, can certainly dream of another venture into Europe. Whilst Palace find themselves only two points shy of a potential European spot after ending a five-game winless run.
You can’t win anything with old men
Graeme Souness will always be remembered for his famous, “you won’t win anything with kids”, quote, but for Burnley it is players where youth has started to fade which could be an issue. With one of the oldest squads in the Premier League, as the season goes on performances could start to suffer.
An experienced team, yes, but one which lacks some youthful exuberance which can often impact matches. Burnley’s bench on Saturday saw an average age of 30 and with the likes of Aaron Lennon brought on to make a difference, you can’t help but wonder someone young and hungry would do a better job. Sean Dyche is not one for experimenting, but after Dwight McNiel’s impact last season, he should start to dive deeper into the club’s academy or look for some investment this January.
A favourable run
The Eagles may have entered this fixture accumulating one point from the previous five, but considering the opposition which consisted of the entire top four, you can easily forgive them. But looking forward, the fixtures start to look more favourable for Roy Hodgson’s men. Seven straight games against teams currently below them in the league, they have every opportunity to set their sights on a European place.
