Crystal Palace v Everton 31 January 2015 - From the Palace end.

[toffeestillidie]

Martinez learning that sometimes you have to win ugly.All the best all round teams do it when they need to do it. Isn't that four games unbeaten? To me, Martinez ability to learn, despite him being so strong on his 'philosophy' will define his whole management career.

I think we played a very dynamic game today, most of it was very in line with his "philosophy" - defenders passing back to the keeper, carefully crafting breaks when we win possession in our own half instead of booting it clear, several passes around the opposition box instead of a direct approach, etc.

The difference though was there were periods where we didn't do that. For the next ~15 or so after the goal, almost every pass was forward and our possession suffered as a result when we gave it away. I can't break down the phases very well, but we were not predictable in our style and it made it very difficult for Palace to adjust.

Of course, we were aided by the fact that Palace weren't very sharp in the final third, and didn't press very well after the first 30 or so.

Also, I think we fans have a huge bias for results when it comes to evaluating teams. If Jagielka hadn't cleared that one ball off the line, but everything else went the same, I'm sure several on here would be screaming for Martinez's head.

 

[Khalekan]

Dilemma for Martinez next week, McCarthy you would think straight back in for the derby, Barry not going to be dropped, Besic benched???

Nor should Barry be dropped.

Keep both him and Besic.

The derby is no place for a fellow to come straight back after a longish lay off.

Put James on the bench.

 

[barneygumble]

Told you Mutch would score

 

[deipnosophist]

I think top 4 might be difficult, but on that performance, I reckon top 17 is pretty safe.

 

[backintime1945]

Dilemma for Martinez next week, McCarthy you would think straight back in for the derby, Barry not going to be dropped, Besic benched???

no never, riot if he does.

 

[toffeestillidie]

OMG OMG OMG I'M GOING TO BE SO HAPPY THAT BESIC WILL CHOMPING AT THE BIT WHEN HE COMES ON IN THE 92ND MINUTE.

Seriously though I'm going to do my best to convince myself that Liverpools defense will give up 2 counterattacking goals and we'll win 2-1.

Maybe I'm idealistic, but we played 3 midfielders today, I could see McCarthy playing midfield with Besic and Barry and Naismith moving higher up the pitch (bench Mirallas or McGeady).

 

[Philw]

That's your Besic instinct for you

I'd have McCarthy in at least 4 of those positions and Kone up front

I'd probably drop Lukaku for Besic

I'd have a couple Oviedo's, two Stones, and maybe a miralles. Kone on for lukaku when he scores after 2 mins..

 

[cpfc1905]

I like Dwight Gayle as a player, great speed and a good brain. No idea why anyone would sign Sanogo and make Gayle play left wing. Blows my mind.

Gayle scored 2 against Burnley from that position tbf. Not convinced on Sanogo at all though

Cheers mate... It was an ugly match to watch from both teams...

Yeah, it was a dull game really. I think we'll both stay up (QPR, Leicester and Villa going down for me) but after watchign that, I wouldn't put money on it.

 

[deipnosophist]

Told you Mutch would score

...it was a worldie too. He hit it so well even the TV cameras didn't pick it up.

 

[Professor Toffee]

OMG OMG OMG I'M GOING TO BE SO HAPPY THAT BESIC WILL CHOMPING AT THE BIT WHEN HE COMES ON IN THE 92ND MINUTE.

Seriously though I'm going to do my best to convince myself that Liverpools defense will give up 2 counterattacking goals and we'll win 2-1.

I love optimism, I love that we won at last and I love that our next game is at Goodison against the poo under lights
I think you could be right Rook

 

[maccavennie]

Martinez didn't even use the word phenomenal during his BBC interview. He's Deffo been on GOT

 

[Professor Toffee]

How did Robles do today lads, his 2nd clean sheet in a row, well earned or not?

 

[backintime1945]

wow!!!

wow, wow, wow

 

[maccavennie]

How did Robles do today lads, his 2nd clean sheet in a row, well earned or not?

I only watched the 2nd half prof but he looked assured in everything he done.

 

[deipnosophist]

How did Robles do today lads, his 2nd clean sheet in a row, well earned or not?

I am growing to like Robles. My dislike for McGeady is also growing