Big win for Crystal Palace this weekend as new manager and Palace old-boy, Alan Pardew lead his team out for his first game in charge on his return to Selhurst Park. An impressive display over an in-form Spurs side lifted the Eagles out of the relegation zone, on what was a typically buzzing afternoon in South London
A Dwight Gayle penalty levelled the game at 1-1 after Harry Kane had put Spurs ahead early in the first half. Yes, Harry Kane… again. Palace pushed on without the inspirational duo of skipper, Mile Jedinak and the always dangerous Yannick Bolasie, both of which were called up for international duty. The game was decided with a trademark strike from Jason Puncheon 10 minutes from time after some majestic footwork from Wilf Zaha in the build-up. This will come as more good news to the Palace faithful whom have been in decent spirits of late. As well as pulling off the coup of capturing Pardew from Newcastle United, the result finally matched a strong performance, which is not always the case if you know anything about Crystal Palace FC.
With Pardew at the helm, there is now the opportunity for the entire squad to prove themselves, which can only help the fight against relegation. Furthermore, it is a chance for some very good players such as Wilf Zaha and Barry Bannan to stake a claim in the manager’s selections knowing that key players are missing for Palace for the next month or so.
There is a lot going on at Crystal Palace right now and most of which is pretty positive. Having an entire squad with something to prove along with inevitability of new arrivals during the transfer window, will only make Palace a stronger unit, while avoiding relegation in the process. After the job Tony Pulis did in the second half of last season, expectations may be running high among the supporters. But so far so good in the early stages of the Alan Pardew era.
FourFourTwo: Bannan reveling in new start under Pardew http://t.co/FjSiRV0Idi #THFC
— Tottenham News (@Spurs_NewsUK) January 14, 2015
@GrantRamey Ain't no party like a Pardew party when that Pardew party beats Spurs.
— Wes Rucker (@wesrucker247) January 14, 2015
#Crystal 2-1 #Spurs | Las águilas de Pardew remontan el vuelo http://t.co/oKJTRrALOJ por @APortillo21 pic.twitter.com/TAoh34qeN5
— Proyecto Premier (@ProyectoPremier) January 13, 2015
Lift off for Pardew as Eagles claw back against sorry Spurs http://t.co/ob9IREUxKv
— PETER PHILLIPS (@ptphillips) January 12, 2015
Just realised Pardew's first move at Selhurst is French. What's Crystal Palace en Francais?
— Tom Sunderland (@TomSunderland_) January 14, 2015
Just spoken to Palace legend @GeoffThomasGTF. Says Pardew will keep giving flair players freedom. Wants at least a point v Burnley. #cpfc
— Benjamin Watts (@BenWatts_Sport) January 14, 2015
#Football – Wilfried Zaha, it's time to sink or swim at Crystal Palace or Manchester Un… http://t.co/UwUBImHJV4 http://t.co/8TJM6nH0ll
— Tickets & Arena info (@all_foot_teams) January 14, 2015
Crystal Palace caretaker boss Keith Millen believes Newcastles Alan Pardew has the track record to succeed at Selhurst Park.
— Derek Carr (@kaptainameraik1) January 14, 2015
Wilfried Zaha says Alan Pardew's appointment has brought the feel-good factor back to #CPFC: http://t.co/5dpUtSX4FK
— Simon Peach (@SimonPeach) January 11, 2015
Wilfried Zaha says Alan Pardew's appointment has brought the feel-good factor back to #CPFC: http://t.co/5dpUtSX4FK
— Simon Peach (@SimonPeach) January 11, 2015