Crystal Palace drew with rivals Brighton and Hove Albion on Monday night to move up to ninth in the Premier League table, above Arsenal. On a night where Brighton dominated proceedings, keeping 66 per cent possession, James Tomkins was imperious in defence for the Eagles. If it weren’t for the Englishman and Vicente Guaita in goal, the scoreline could have been heavily in the visitor’s favour.
Defensively Tomkins, valued at £4.5m (Transfermarkt), was untouchable. His two tackles were bettered only by Martin Kelly’s three, as the pair made sure that Brighton had to work for every opportunity. While Tomkins also made a further two interceptions, preventing the opposition’s attacks before their Spanish goalkeeper was required. But his most impressive stat was making a colossal twelve clearances; three times as many as any of the Palace defender’s teammates. Furthermore, he had the joint-highest blocked shots of anyone wearing blue and red.
While in possession Tomkins was tidy and assured, making the highest number of passes of any Crystal Palace defender with 29. The accuracy of his short-range efforts was equally impressive, narrowly under 80 per cent, again the best of any Eagles defender. Though his long balls often failed to find their intended target, with just one fifth finding a teammate. However, he did play a crucial pass which led to an assist for Wilfred Zaha’s equaliser and secured a vital point which means his side won’t have to worry about relegation during the festive period.
Aside from the assist, when in advanced positions Tomkins did appear a little out of place. His single effort on goal was wide of the mark, and the centre back did not trouble the opposition much at corners. Though the Seagull’s twice fouled the defender in what was a reasonably tame derby encounter. But ultimately Tomkins contribution at the back and his one moment going forwards proved decisive in earning the hosts a point.
