Well, that was more flaming like it! Maybe it was the coin throwing incident that galvanised the players and the fans or maybe it was Pulis finally throwing caution to the wind and loosening the reins a little, whatever it was it worked and even though we seemingly tried our hardest to throw it away in the second half, it was easily the best, from an attacking perspective, we have played all season. My XI article prior to the Crystal Palace game was basically a rant at Pulis and the players with little hope of any improvement on the pitch. Well, they well and truly proved me wrong putting on an exciting attacking display, especially in the first half, meaning the Albion faithful left the ground not only smiling about the result but the performance also.
Up next is league leaders Leicester City (still feels strange saying that). How refreshing it’s been for a team like Leicester, with the transfer/wage budget that they have, to be doing so unbelievably well at the top end of the table. Unless you’re a Man City, Arsenal or Tottenham fan I doubt there are many who aren’t hoping they can pull off the seemingly impossible and win the title. I know I will be cheering them on for the remainder of the season, bar tomorrow’s game of course.
I have got this feeling that Tuesday night’s game is going to be a bit of a humdinger. I think Leicester will definitely be up for it after snatching all three points in dramatic fashion against Norwich at the weekend and so will we after our resurgent performance against the Eagles Saturday night.
Only Foster and Olsson will know who was to blame for Palaces first goal. Olsson received the majority of blame from the pundits and fans after but his hesitance seemed to suggest he maybe received a call from the onrushing Foster. Luckily it didn’t cost us in the end but the goal certainly lifted Palaces spirits and meant the fans had to endure a nerve-racking finale as Palace pushed hard for a way back into the game.
Right Back – Craig Dawson
A superb first half performance, which was topped off by a brilliantly taken header, was then followed up with a shaky second where he struggled to get to grips with the lively Bolasie after he was introduced at the interval. It was a little concerning considering he will be up against the likes of Mahrez and Albrighton on Tuesday night. He will have to stay focused for the full 90 minutes if he’s to tame the pair of talented tricksters.
Centre Back – Jonas Olsson (if Evans isn’t fit)
I like Olsson a lot and as I have said previously, grateful for what he’s done for the club since he signed but I think Saturdays mix up with Foster proves that he should be no more than backup from here on in.
Centre Back – Gareth McAuley
Didn’t really put a foot wrong all game and definitely improved on his recent performances. Looks a lot more assured next to him chum Evans and will secretly be hoping for a quick return to fitness for his international compatriot considering the tricky run of games we are about to embark on.
Left Back – James Chester
As much as I am gutted for Brunty, especially after the news that he could potentially miss the Euros, I am pleased that Chester will get a run of games to prove his worth. I thought he did well in the handful of games he’s played in since the turn of the year and he looked like he was starting to settle before being sent back to the bench again by Pulis.
Centre Midfield – Darren Fletcher
Another slick performance from our skipper in the middle of the park. To the untrained eye it would seem that Fletcher doesn’t really contribute a massive amount but to those who watch a little more closely its evident that Fletcher is a vital player in this team. He keeps the team ticking over linking defence with attack superbly. I lost count how many times Saturday he received the ball under pressure on the edge of our box, broke free and set up at attack. Class act.
Centre Midfield – Claudio Yacob
A typically dogged performance from our Argentinian enforcer. I think if you were to look you would still find Yohan Cabaye in his back pocket. The classy French midfielder didn’t have a sniff all game and was ultimately taken off mid-way through the second half due to his ineffectiveness, a testament to how well Yacob played.
Right Midfield – Craig Gardner
Where on earth did that come from? Gardner looked like Frank Lampard in his prime, putting in a superb shift in the middle of the park. After scoring one and setting up another there is no way Pulis can drop Gards after that performance, I just hope he can replicate Saturdays performance as he looked like the box to box midfielder we have been badly craving all season.
Left Midfield – James McClean
Was surprised to see him left out on Saturday but it was obviously the right decision to make seeing as we went on to take all three points. I have a feeling though McClean will be brought back in for Tuesdays encounter, possibly for Sessegnon, due to his brilliant work ethic. Leicester’s quick counter-attacking approach will mean our midfield will need to track back throughout which McClean is undoubtedly better at.
Forward – Saido Berahino
“Has done absolutely nothing to justify the price tag, looks completely disinterested and is blatantly just counting down the days until the season ends and for the whole transfer saga to kick off again”. That was in reference to Saido from my XI article last week. Safe to say he made me look a right mug putting in a stellar performance and showing exactly why so many clubs have been clamouring for his signature in the last two transfer windows. If he continues like that until the end of the season there is no doubt he will get his move and that Peace will get his fat cheque.
Striker – Salomon Rondon
“I do think Rondon has potential and feel he could become a force if he was supplemented with some creative players”. Whereas I got it completely wrong with Saido I felt I was spot on with my comments regarding Rondon. Berahino and Sessegnon looked to support Rondon at every opportunity and it proved dividends, with Rondon putting in arguably his best performance in a Baggies shirt.