Crystal Palace - Football Manager 2018

[Dave]

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Crystal Palace have named former Ajax and Inter Milan manager Frank de Boer as their new boss on a three-year contract.

The 47-year-old Dutchman succeeds Sam Allardyce, who left after helping Palace avoid relegation last season.

"The aim is to be a solid Premier League team, not to struggle with relegation," said the former defender, who won 112 caps for the Netherlands.

"That is our main target - if we do more that's nice."

"I had a good feeling about the club and the prospect of managing a team in the Premier League was exciting," added De Boer.

"This club can grow further and further. They spend a lot of money and there is the possibility to do something well with that money.

"I've not met the players yet. We will look at one or two signings, but I think it is necessary to see all the players here first."

"I have my own type of coaching and style of playing. We want to be dominant when we can, but also dominate when we don't have the ball," he said.

"Also for the fans, we must try to be attractive. Palace has a very enthusiastic and passionate fanbase, so they will want to see that."

 

 

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Season Objectives:

Avoid being the first ever team not to score in the first four games.

Make it to five league games without being sacked.

Score before the eigth league fixture.

Win within the first eight league games.

 

[Dave]

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Wilfried Zaha is expected to be out for three months due to an injury sustained in Crystal Palace’s friendly against Schalke 04. 

The Ivory Coast forward left Selhurst Park with his right knee in a leg brace after Palace drew 1-1 with the German side. Zaha posted a picture of the injury on Instagram with the caption “God shall protect me” on Saturday evening before later deleting the post.

 

[Dave]

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1 - 0

Stoke City win in a dull contest with nothing much to talk about.

The only goal of the game came just before the 20th minute mark when Mame Biram Diouf found space in between Fosu-Mensah and Ward from 12 yards out to score the only goal of the game.

Crystal Palace failed to create any real chances of significance as Christian Benteke looked isolated up top.

Wayne Hennessey started in goal with a back three of Fosu-Mensah, Dann and Riedewald. Ward was deployed as right wing back with Van Aanholt on the left. Milivojevic started in the middle alongside with Fortus-Cheek whilst Townsend and Punchen played either side of Benteke.

Reuben Loftus-Cheek was praised for an impressive debut due to his movement throughout the game.

 

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 0 - 0 

Ten Man Crystal Palace were able to hang on to a draw in a contest that will not live long in the memory for many neutrals.

Luka Milivojevic's second yellow for tripping Ross Barkley around the 70th minute mark produced a nervy finish to the game and Everton thought they had won it late on only for a Sandro goal to be ruled offside.

The only change this week was forced upon, as Timothy Fosu-Mensah was replaced by James Tomkins due to a groin strain picked up in training.

Crystal Palace's three man defence were heavily praised after the game for remaining solid throughout.

 

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0 - 1 

Crystal Palace are now one game away from becoming the first team in Premier League history not to score within their first four games.

Crystal Palace once again failed to create any chances of real significance. However they may have an excuse on this occassion as Yohan Cabaye was sent off for two yellows when he tripped Andy King around the half way line.

There afternoon was made even more difficult when they went down to nine men. This time Reuben Loftus-Cheek sent off for tripping Daniel Amartey in almost the same position.

Leicester's winner came on the 81st minute when James Vardy forced James Tomkins in to an error which led to an own goal.

The only change in the lineup this week was that Scott Dann was replaced by Martin Kelly as Scott Dann was feeling the effects of a concussion after a clash with Wayne Rooney in the previous game.

 

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Peterborough United 0 - 2 Crystal Palace

Brief joy as a strong Crystal Palace squad got Frank De Boer his first win as Crystal Palace Manager.

The Eagles scored within the first ten minutes as Andros Townsend broke free on the right hand side and his low cross was converted by Christian Benteke from eight yards.

The Posh put pressure on The Eagles in the second half and had three efforts well saved by Wayne Hennesey, but Palace scored a second in the 97th minute as an Andros Townsend cross found substitute Sulley KaiKai at the far post who then laid it back to another substitute Jordan Mutch to score from ten yards.

Crystal Palace advance to play Stoke City away in the next round.

Andros Townsend was praised for his creativity after the match.

Cup Changes: Martin Kelly, Pape Souare, James McArthur, Yohan Cabaye, Jeffrey Schlupp in for Scott Dann, Patrick Van Aanholt, Luke Miliojevic, Reuben Loftus-Cheek and Jason Puncheon

 

[Stan]

old school Leicester badge. nice. 

[Dave]

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 2 - 0 

Crystal Palace have become the first team in Premier League history not to score within their first four games of the season.

The Eagles held resolute for the majority of the first half until Richarlison scored from 25 yards with a goal that flew in to the top right corner of the net. A contender for Goal Of The Month for sure.

Following cries from the support, Frank de Boer abandoned his much beloved 5-2-3 system at half time and went for the more familiar 4-5-1 formation, but any chance of a comeback was killed before the hour mark when Richarlison scored again. This time a low shot from 20 yards beating Wayne Hennessey's near post.

None of the Crystal Palace players came out of this game with any glory as they struggled to create any chances of real note once again.

Several changes were made for this fixture. A debuting Sakho and a returning from injury Dann replaced Riedewald in Kelly in defence, McArthur and Mutch were given opportunities in midfield following suspensions to both Cabaye and Loftus-Cheek, whilst KaiKai replaced an injured Puncheon.

Crystal Palace fans have been fuming all over social media this evening. Many of the fans have been suggesting that Frank DeBoer drops his 'three at the back' defensive policy.  The Crystal Palace fans had previously been unhappy with their transfer business with many not understading the logic in spending £26,000,000 on another defender when it's been clear they need another striker and more creative options.

Steve Parish is alleged to still be supporting the new regime, and is prepared to give Frank de Boer more time as the clubs Manager.

 

[Dave]

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 Avoid being the first ever team not to score in the first four games.

 Make it to five league games without being sacked.

 

[R-D]

😅 I’m rooting for you in the next 3! Hopefully one of them is Chelsea 🤐

[Dave]

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 1 - 1 

Crystal Palace finally got their first goal of the season - but they'll be gutted they couldn't hang on to win.

In a game where Palace remained solid in defence and competitive in all areas of the pitch they got their break through in the 87th minute as Luka Miliojevic scored from a rebounded Christian Benteke effort.

Crystal Palace thought they had won, but in the 97th minute Patrick Van Aanholt gave away a penalty for a push on Wayne Routledge who duly converted the spot kick.

Crystal Palace were left furious with the stoppage time that had been accumilated through various stoppages of players bruising their heels.

McArthur, Mutch and Kaiaki were dorpped for the returning trio of Cabaye, Miliojevic and Loftus-Cheek.

Palace remain bottom with two points after five games.

 

[Dave]

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 Avoid being the first ever team not to score in the first four games.

 Make it to five league games without being sacked.

Score before the eighth league fixture.

 

[Dave]

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Stoke City 3 - 2 Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace were convincingly beaten by Stoke City and knocked out The Carabao Cup.

The game was pretty much over at half time when Saido Berahino scored two identical goals. He latched on to through balls and was able to break away from Scott Dann with his pace.

Andros Townsend appeared to score a 20 yard goal that may get Crystal Palace back in to the game but Ibrahim Affeley almost responded immediatly as Crystal Palace switched off in defence.

Bakary Sako scored a consolation goal as he was left unmarked from a corner.

Frank de Boer tried 4-2-3-1 for the first (and possibly) the last time as the Palace defence of Ward, Dann, Tomkins and Souarea were heavily criticised in front of Hennessey. McArthur and Milivojevic failed to impress in midfield. Schlupp and Townsend were impressive in spells out wide whilst Sako made some form of impact behind a lethargic Benteke.

 

[Dave]

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 4 - 2

"No matter how terrible Crystal Palace have been, you can always rely on them to beat Liverpool" Ian Wright.

In a game which ruined accumilators across the country, Crystal Palace put poor form to one side and played remarkably well to beat Liverpool.

Crystal Palace took the lead just after 13 minutes when Emre Can was judged to have pushed Christian Benteke in the penalty area. The big Belgian converted the penalty against his former club.

Crystal Palace couldn't believe their luck when they got a second penalty three minutes later for an identical offence. This time Dejan Lovren pushing Christian Benteke. The Big Belgian scoring from the spot again.

There fans were then pinching themselves when Andros Townsend scored a third after twenty five minutes as he was allowed to cut inside from James Milner and side foot the ball in to the far corner.

Crystal Palace continued to control the game as Liverpool got frustrated. This led to a fourth goal as Andros Townsend's cross was flicked past Karius by Christian Benteke. The Belgian completing his first Crystal Palace hat trick against his old club.

Liverpool scored two goals from Mohammed Salah in the 89th and 90th minutes as Crystal Palace appeared to switch off. Some fans appeared nervous of a repeat of 'Crystanbul' but Palace were able to hold on during the four minutes of stoppage time and record there first win of the season.

DeBoer tried a 5-2-1-2 system which worked dividends.  Tomkins, Dann and Sakho played in front of Hennesey with Ward and Soarea as full backs. MacArthur and Milivoijevic played in midfield with Reuben Loftus Cheek ahead as Andros Townsend and Christian Benteke were experimented up front.

Christian Benteke and Andros Townsend were heavily praised for there performances as they move up to 16th with their first win of the season.

 

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Challenge Complete!!!

 Avoid being the first ever team not to score in the first four games.

 Make it to five league games without being sacked.

 Score before the eighth league fixture.

 Win within the first eight Premier League fixtures.

 

[R-D]

With a game to spare as well. Don't know what all the fuss was about. Palace for Europe.

[Guest Cannabis]

Absolute scenes in London as Crystal Palace win inside eight games .

[Dave]

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2 - 0 

Crystal Palace backed up their impressive display against Liverpool with a convincing display against Huddersfield.

Two first half headers from Christian Benteke were the decisive factor in a game where Crystal Palace only made one change from the side that beat Liverpool - a fit Yohan Cabaye replaced James MacArthur.

Crystal Palace were able to sit back in the second half and remained resolute to gain all three points.

End Of September Table:

Player Of The Month: Christian Benteke 

Five goals in two matches has put the Belgian International clear of everybody else. Crystal Palace will be hopeing that he's able to maintain his form as it's been made evident that where they finish will depend heavily on how many he can score.

Previous Winner: Joel Ward  - Acclimatised well to his new role of RWB whilst all others appeared to struggle.

[Smiley Culture]

I have no idea what the point of this "challenge" was.

[Dave]

I start all new games shite and wanted to see if I would do shitter than Palace.

[Dave]

Going to continue with this save now. I was intending to start a save with Barnet and try to make them half interesting as i like the approach theyve gone with by appointing somebody without a professional footballing background but Palace made such a monumental fuck up this summer I've got interested in making them half decent again. I'm going to approach transfer windows with the intention of signing young talent, Dutch talent and names connected with the club just to see how far I can go with our initial intended approach.

[Dave]

October 2017

Crystal Palace were beaten by Manchester City in a game where quality showed in the second half.

Crystal Palace did very well to hold Manchester City to 0-0 up until half time but it took only 15 seconds for Sergio Aguero to get past the Palace defence in the second half. Raheem Sterling then scored a second as he pounced on a loose ball in the second half. Fernandinho then ended proceedings with a 25 yard free kick that went straight in to the top corner in injury time.

One change was made for this game as Martin Kelly replaced an injured James Tomkins. No players were particularly impressive.
 

Crystal Palace and Newcastle United split the spoils in what was an emotional game of football. 

It was an even match in the first half but Newcastle United found themselves ahead when Merino scored a strike from 20 yards. They gained a second when Christian Atsu cut ahead of Sakho and pounced on a Matt Ritchie rebound.

A tactic change then paid off for Palace as Sako replaced Benteke and Townsend went up front. It immediatly paid off as Townsend slotted past Elliot after meeting a Cabaye through ball.

Palace found themselves equal long after they began playing there best football all season. A looping cross from Bakary Sako found Wilfried Zaha near the back post who connected with a volley.

Palace then bombarded the Newcastle United goal with several chances and got their just reward as a 'ping-pong' scenario with the ball in the penalty area was eventually converted by Andros Townsend.

But it wasn't to be, as late in to the game Mohammed Diame found himself free from Martin Kelly in the penalty area and blasted a volley in to the top corner from 12 yards in the 97th minute.

 

Crystal Palace took another point in a game similar to the last.

Jermaine Defoe opened proceedings in n even game by getting ahead of Sakho and guiding an Andrew Surman shot in to the net. Bournemouth then scored a second when Nathan Ake  scored a stunning swerving shot from about 25 yards out.

But then Palace bought Bakary Sako on - this time for Andros Townsend - and Palace went on once again to play some real great creative football. Wilfried Zaha, who was disapointing in both games up until the hour mark, scored again as he converted a Bakary Sako cross.

Palace then went on to grab a point late on after some very intense pressure where Reuben Loftus-Cheek was able to fire a shot in to the top corner from just inside the penalty area.

End Of October Table

 

Player Of The Month:

Bakary Sako - Despite not starting a game the player has been influential from the bench in both of his appearances.

 

Previous Winners:

August - Joel Ward

September - Christian Benteke

 

[R-D]

That 95th for Newcastle is painful, after the elation of a perceived 93rd minute winner... 

Do you have much transfer budget left? Or any valuable players you're thinking of moving on?

[Dave]

1 hour ago, R-D said:

That 95th for Newcastle is painful, after the elation of a perceived 93rd minute winner... 

Do you have much transfer budget left? Or any valuable players you're thinking of moving on?

To be honest I was so happy I found a way to play good football and score quickly I wasn't too bothered 

I turned all budgets off in the first window so I'm at the mercy of the board. I don't expect any money in the transfer window. MacArthur, Hennessey and Ward haven't signed new contracts yet so they're in the firing line to create funds. Of them 3 MacArthur would be the sacrificial lamb as we don't have adequate backup for the other two and MacArthur plays best as in a midfield three which we never seem to do as Bentekes lack of movement means he needs more support than just two wingers. At the same time I'm not sure what sides would be interested in him.

A.C. Milan are 'interested' in Cabaye as are a few Chinese clubs in Benteke but losing them in January when were close to the bottom could be a gamble too far.

[Dave]

November 2017

Arsenal took all three points in an entertaining game of football.

They took the lead early on when Coquelin was allowed to shoot from 20 yards with nobody closing him down,  but Crystal Palace's new fighting spirit showed as they scored two goals on the counter. On both occassions it was a through ball from Reuben Loftus-Cheek setting Andros Townsend free one-on-one with Cech before cooly converting.

However Mesut Ozil pulled Arsenal back in to the game when none of the defenders covered his run in to the area from an Alexis Sanchez cross, and Arsenal found themselves ahead again when Ozil's crossed picked out an unmarked Lacazette from eight yeards.

Crystal Palace unexpectedly scored an eaqualiser to lift spirits just before half time. This time Andros Townsend who had drifted out to the left hand side putting in a wicked low cross for Reuben Loftus Cheeck to strike in to the top corner from twelve yards.

Both teams were going for the winner in the second half but it was Arsenal's quality that showed as Alexis Sanchez jinxed past Sakho before beating Hennessey at his near post.

Crystal Palace can be proud of their performance as Andros Townsend and Reuben Loftus-Cheek were heavily praised for their link up play. All five defenders and Christian Benteke recieved criticism.

One change was made today as Christian Benteke replaced Wilfried Zaha.

Crystal Palace fans were left baffled and confused at the lacklusture performance put in after the intetnaional break against bottom placed West Bromwich Albion.

Jay Rodriguez scored the only goal of the game as Sakho and Tomkins attempting to play the offside trap and failed. He raced on to a long ball from Chris Brunt and looped the ball over an oncoming Wayne Henneseey who had rushed twenty yards off his line.

Crystal Palace failed to create anything of significant note. Everybody playing recieved criticism supproters with the heaviest being aimed at Townsend and Benteke for their inability to create anything.

Crystal Palace experimented with 4-2-3-1 as an injured Scott Dann was replaced by Wilfried Zaha. It's an experiment they're unlikely going to try again.

Crystal Palace put in an improved performance and were unlucky no win away at Burnley.

A terrible opening ten minutes is what cost The Eagles as Burnley created four chances. One of these was converted by James Tarkowski as he was able to get in front of Sakho to head in a Robbie Brady corner.

Once Crystal Palace gained their compusure they created some good chances thanks to some good interlinking play from Loftus-Cheek, Townsend and Zaha. They got there reward when a Loftus-Cheek through ball found Townsend whose low cross picked Zaha out at the back post to convert.

Andros Townsend had a brilliant chance to win the game in the 87th minute when he hit a shot from four yards over the bar.

Martin Kelly came in for Christian Benteke this week as Crystal Palace went back to playing three at the back.

Crystal Palace found themselves on the wrong end of a high scoring game once again thanks to some poor defending. 

Jeremy Pied managed to cut inside of Sakho with ease for his first goal of the season as Crystal Palace once again conceaded early on. Cedric's goal occurred as he was allowed to run in between Sakho and Souare without being challenged before having a free shot on goal. Shane Long's goal was scored as he ghosted past Scott Dann who committed himself far too early and then wasn't challenged. Whilst the winner from Boufal cam as he skipped past Ward and Tomkins far too easily before placing a shot in to the far corner.

Andros Townsend, Wilfried Zaha and Reuben Loftus-Cheek all once against linked up well to create a succession of chances and Crystal Palace scored three of these. All three escaped criticism due to their movement and creativity.

Crystal Palace's Manager and Coaching Staff were heavily criticised by fans who appear to be completely against playing three at the back due to the lack of understanding exhibited in this fixture.

End Of November Table

With Tottenham, Manchester United and Chelsea to play in the next four matches there is a genuine fear amongst supporters that Crystal Palace will be in the relegation places by the midway point of the season.

Player Of The Month

Reuben Loftus-Cheek: Pipped Andros Townsend and Wilfried Zaha to the award this month as he was the only player to escape real heavy criticism in the defeat against West Brom.

[Dave]

[Dave]

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Fans were left seething with 'three at the back' as Tottenham went on to score five.

Davidson Sanchez scored the opening goal as he was allowed to run through the midfield and defence unmarked before striking the ball first time low in to the near corner. Moussa Dembele then made it two shortly after as he was allowed to shoot from twenty yards without being closed down. Harry Kane then completed the first half rout by finishing a lovely Tottenham move from ten yards.

Harry Kane then scored a contender for goal of the month in the second half as he was allowed to fire a shot from thirty yards without being closed down in to the top corner. The misery got even worse for Crystal Palace as a Christian Eriksen cross was deflected in off the head of James Tomkins. 

Crystal Palace's consolation goal came when Reuben Loftus Cheek was able to convert a Wilfried Zaha low cross on a counter attack.

None of the Palace players came out with any real credit with the fans mainly attacking the Manager's tactics. No changes were made as this starting eleven have let in nine goals in two games.

 

8 leagues games without a win and our rivals Brighton next 

[Dave]

What the actual fuck 

Yohan Cabaye got four assists and a goal for himself as Crystal Palace tried 4-3-2-1 and scored five against Brighton.

Brighton had the better of the first half but Palace got the breakthrough as Andros Townsend scored from a Yohan Cabaye through ball. The second half Yohan Cabaye ran the show as Benteke and Tomkins scored headers from Cabaye crosses before The Frenchman scored a goal of his own with a low shot from just outside the penalty area. The final goal came when a Martin Kelly ball across goal found Cabaye who laid it off for Sako to score from close range.

Sakho, Souare and Lofus Cheek were all dropped for Benteke, Van Aanholt and MacArthur to accomdate the new system.

Yohan Cabaye has now achieved the status of 'legend' amongst Crystal Palace fans.

[Stan]

is that just wishful thinking for tomorrow evening  ?