Palace took a two-goal lead after only 11 minutes through centre-backs James Tomkins and Dann – and the Eagles defenders have now scored a Premier League-high of 12 goals since the start of last season.
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But Stoke’s lack of confidence at the back was evident as soon as Townsend and Zaha began to attack them down the flanks, and the latter won a free-kick when he was bundled over by Arnautovic.
Palace continued to dominate the set-pieces, but Stoke got their first chance of the game when forward Wilfred Bony dispossed Dann and ran in on goal, however his shot rolled past home kepper Steve Mandanda’s left hand post. Past year it hurt us [when he was injured].
“We knew if we started quickly, like we did against Middlesbrough, we’d get some early goals – and it turned out that way. The dressing room is full of good talent, but that talent needs to ally it to sensible play, which we’re not doing”.
And manager Hughes is now considering big changes for Wednesday’s all-top flight League Cup third round tie against Hull – and the visit of former Stoke boss Tony Pulis’ West Brom on Saturday. Since then they have been largely inconsistent, leading to sections of the crowd to question Alan Pardew, but yesterday’s game concluded with them again chanting their manager’s name. He believes, however, that Hughes will arrest Stoke’s slide. “The media spotlight turns on to the manager when the results aren’t good. Of course Mark recognises that, he doesn’t need me to tell him – he’s an experienced manager”.
From a free-kick near the edge of the area, Andros Townsend crossed towards James Tomkins, who got the last touch after marker Jon Walters had failed to deal with the ball in. I have heard those chants against me.
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“The players have committed themselves really well up to this point, but we have to have a look at them physically now and try and recharge”. Glen Johnson got 90 minutes, so we’re trying to build his levels. Unused subs: Hennessey, Fryers, Sako, Wickham.
