Palace v. Spurs - They Were Who We Thought They Were

Seeing as Palace won the playoff round to reach the Premier League, they're a popular pick with the "pundits" to go straight back down this season. What I expected was a under-average side that was going to be buoyed by their fans and that's pretty much exactly what we got. Most of the commentator's praise was reserved not for the team, but the great atmosphere that the fans created (and it was pretty awesome). Palace were virtually a non-threat aside from the last 15 minutes when some subs came on. While they were organized and very strong at the back, there was not much of an option going forward for most of the game which caused the possession and shots gap. For Spurs, I'd sum up the performance as solid but wasteful. There should have been at least 3 in the back of the net by the time Palace finally started to play which made for a nervy ending but overall you have to be pleased with the showing considering how many new faces came into the team. On to the ratings...

Hugo - 9. Assured in everything he did. Rushed out of the box to make a tackle on Gayle for probably Palace's best chance. Also had a great double save in the dying moments to preserve the points.

Walker - 6.5. All I can say about KW is he's really fast. This makes him look great in certain situations but when he's forced to use his brain he struggles. Looked bright early but a Championship full back had his one on one move figured out within the first 30 minutes. Needs to improve still.

Daws - 6. Started very slow. Passing was poor. A fully fit Kaboom will easily take his place in the team with performances like that.

SuperJan - 8. Solid throughout.

Rose - 7.5. Admirable shift. Show's a willingness to keep the ball on the floor and make runs into the box which is great compared to Benny who sometimes seems to eager to just whip crosses into the box from advanced positions. Defensively did well too.

Lennon - 7. My only criticism is he needs to get crosses in more quickly. Had a couple runs to the byline that could have been goals if he was more decisive. But he drew the penalty that won the game and was able to get in behind Palace's back line several times with smart runs.

Pauly - 8. An absolute rock in the middle of the park. The scary thing is he can do much better.

Moose - 7. Didn't get on the ball as much as I'd like to see but did a lot of the dirty work per usual. Had a nice shot that tipped the crossbar in the opening stages.

Aladdin - 7.5. Confident and dangerous. He was a little too selfish at times but he's trying to make an impression as well. Expect big things ahead.

Iceman - 7. Should have scored. Forced an incredible save in the first half and missed an easy chance that could have put the game away in the second but seemed to float in and out of the game.

Bobby Soul - 8.5. Was not involved enough through no fault of his own. Every run and touch was smart. Well struck penalty and showed great willingness to get everyone involved.  

---Subs---

Monsieur Capoue - 9. What a cameo. Had more interceptions in 33 minutes of playing time than West Ham, Sunderland and Hull had as teams in 90. As 'Arry probably would more eloquently say, "E's a big strong boy."

Defoe - 7.5. Lively and energetic but how the fuck did he not bury his chance? Should have scored.

Kaboom - N/A. Welcome back.