Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew was left satisfied with what he described as a “fair point” following his team’s 1-1 draw with Everton at Goodison Park on Monday night, although he also wondered what might have been after the Eagles were denied two penalties.
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The Toffees have enjoyed a mixed start to the season but are unbeaten in four and now look to be in good shape.
“Every foreign player has to adapt to the physicality of the Premier League but, for a striker like Rom, with his frame, I don’t think he had the opportunity to play enough 90 minutes when he first arrived”, Martinez told the British media.
A 1-1 draw at home to Crystal Palace is nothing to be ashamed of considering the Eagles came out winners across Stanley Park at Anfield, as well as at Stamford Bridge.
The relationship between him and Barkley has been a catalyst for improved results in the last couple of months and it was evident again here; interchange involving the two nearly causing the first goal when Lukaku slalomed through Palace’s midfield and defence before hitting the inside of Wayne Hennessey’s right post without going in. He was a stand out in the week in the 2-0 victory at Middlesbrough, scoring a fantastic goal and creating the other for the rampant Lukaku.
“Ten years later they won the title and have gone on to win the Premier League four times, become European champions and grown into one of the world’s biggest clubs”. His 31st away point since returning to Palace in January, a tally bettered in that period only by Arsenal’s 35, was further evidence of his team’s commitment, discipline and organisation.
Palace’s no nonsense attacking style is clearly evident in their passing statistics; in front of their own fans, with a slightly more measured outlook, they boast a decent possession average of 80%.
Martínez was more reluctant to distribute praise, harshly describing Palace as “not good on the eye but, with their power and pace, they have the ideal combination away from home”.
“We have loads of players like Kevin Mirallas, Aaron Lennon and Steven Naismith who bring that extra something to the team”.
Key to that will be the form of Lukaku, who has 10 league goals already this season and with 49 in 99 appearances for the club has a record which nearly matches that of the great Joe Royle in his first 100 games.
Crystal Palace star Yannick Bolasie has called on Lee Chung-Yong to make an impact in tonight’s clash against Everton. “We came across a team that was in top, top form and we still nearly won”.
“I can’t understand how [referee Craig Pawson] has not see that from 12 yards”.
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A point means Palace remain one point ahead of Everton on 23 points in sixth place, with the Toffees sitting in ninth, level with Watford and Stoke City.
