Palace and Stoke to go again after Goalless Draw!

Palace was tested against Premier League opposition on Saturday after a goalless draw at Selhurst Park. In an interesting yet far from classical encounter Palace more then held their own against Premier League opponents. A negative Stoke City was content to contain Palace, seeming happy to settle for a draw from the early stages. This struck me as amusing as despite Stoke City being the Premier League side with the ex England internationals Crouch and Owen in their side, it was Palace who played the better football. It was Palace who was more creative using talents of youth available to them to play exciting football.

Youngsters such as Zaha and Bolasie shone against physically imposing defenders such as Shawcross, Huth, and Shotten. An interesting contrast in styles developed and these ultimately cancelled each other out as a workman like Stoke reverted to a style of play they are comfortable with and enjoy playing. High balls bypassed the midfield to an isolated Peter Crouch up front. Palace in contrast preferred to play with the football on the floor. The midfield was conducted by Brazilian maestro Andre Moritz, as Mile Jedinak and Stuart O’Keefe offered steel and protection to the exposed Palace wingers up against Stoke’s hard men.

Wilfried Zaha who was substituted early in the second half had an interesting afternoon. Not offered complete protection from the referee, he would have learned a lot about the physical realities of top flight football. He will not get a free kick for every challenge that is physical, but that does not mean he is diving. From a fans point of view there are sometimes 50/50s or hard, fair, challenges that cause collisions because the skill level of any attacker is greater than the ability of any defender to deal with it. Yet this does not imply it is a freekick merely the players’ trickery is too good. Wilf Zaha could be a victim of this kind of refereeing interpretation when he plays in the Premier League.

In a game of few chances both teams will do it again in ten days time at the Britannia Stadium. Palace had the better of the few opportunities created but could not break down a well organised Stoke defence. The replay may be a fixture neither side want but the draw of Champions Manchester City at home makes it more attractive. Ian Holloway will have a better idea of his squad strength getting a closer look at Easter, Price, Appaih and exciting youngster Jason Banton. This will help him realise who he can call upon later in the season during the run in. Indeed post match Holloway stated this squad is feeling more like his team.

It is back to league action against Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday with the replay date against Stoke on 15^th January with the prize of Manchester City at home at stake!