I don't know what kind of black magic Roy Hodgson is employing, but he is doing the business so far. 2 games 2 wins - nice. Never would I thought a Palace without Zaha would score 5 in a game, but there we go. And the increase in attacking intent is surprising but welcome. I wasn't sure whether Palace would have the backbone and character to fight to stay up, but both wins have come after going behind - so that is a great sign. Of course, there is a also a degree of luck you need - like a last second goal to beat Leicester, or to only concede one goal in Leeds in that first half. But in the second half against Leeds we were ruthless and clinical and impressive. No we're not safe yet, still only 6 points clear of relegation. But with games still left against the likes of Southampton, Everton, Wolves, West Ham, Bournemouth, Nottingham Forest - it is in our control, and I am more confident now we can get the results we need to stay up (2 more wins may be enough?).
I feel a bit sorry for Vieira, he got judged on playing all the good teams twice & the dross once.
ReplyDeleteThat said, would he have won both so convincingly - prob. not.
We'll not go down from here now, but I sincerely hope Roy's contract is not extended beyond these 11 games & he leaves with reputation enhanced.
As effective as he is, Roy isn't the future - we have to look forward, not back.
BUT - like every club below the big 6, sooner or later relegation happens (in the last 10 years even Newcastle, West Ham & Villa have all gone down.
If you ever want a spectrum of Palace opinion, this is the place (this forum has won awards of late).
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