Crystal Palace 1 – 0 Southampton

A goal from Yohan Cabaye tapping away his fifth goal of the season from a Yannick Bolasie cross took palace to sixth in the table, Level on points with Tottenham Hotspurs. Palace dominated the game and Wilfried Zaha returned from suspension to add to Palace’s attacking strength causing a poor Southampton problems who suffered their fourth defeat in six matches.

Palace’s good form continued as Palace are now three matches unbeaten with Wickham, Bolasie and Zaha looking fantastic. Indeed Pardew got the tactics spot on as Palace continued their good run of form. On a cold afternoon at Selhurst a tactically astute performance meant Palace’s rise up the table was assured.

Next week Palace have a tough assignment playing Stoke at the Brittannia Stadium where Alan Pardew will pit his wits against Mark Hughes

Everton 1 – 1 Crystal Palace

A hard fought draw on Monday night saw Everton and Palace draw 1 – 1. In the first half Palace were under pressure as Lukaku hit the post and Deulofeu hit the Crossbar. Palace went close when Conner Wickam drew a save out of Tim Howard. Palace were set up defensively in order to frustrate Everton, while Palace aimed to push forward on the counter attack. Yannick Bolasie broke down the left to again force a marvellous save from Howard which meant Bolasie was again denied on the break.

On 75 minutes Palace took the lead when Scott Dann headed home from a corner. Five minutes later Romelu Lukaku scored an equaliser to ensure Everton secured a point. This was Lukaku’s fiftieth goal in one hundred matches for Everton and ensured the spoils were shared. Palace moved to the top six as most of the action happened in the last quarter of the game.

Palace have drawn Southampton in the 3^rd round of the FA Cup and play Southampton again also at Selhurst Park next Saturday. With Palace moving closer to the European places exciting times lay ahead off a good return from a satisfactory evening.