Sam Smith’s big-game verdict on Palace 2 West Ham 3 – Eagles don’t look as prepared as Moyes’ boys execute their game plan

BY SAM SMITH

Crystal Palace’s start to this game was so good that it made the disastrous 87 minutes that followed Wilfried Zaha’s opening goal even more baffling.

West Ham had played twice in the time between Palace’s last game and this fixture at Selhurst Park.

The South Londoners had nine days to prepare after their 4-0 defeat by Manchester City, yet it was the Hammers who appeared to have a clearer game plan.

The visitors’ pressing was well-coordinated and they coped better with the sodden pitch. Aside from the forward’s goal after three minutes, they nullified the threat of Zaha with more authority than many other sides have managed.

Ultimately, West Ham’s key individuals had better games than their counterparts. An all-action midfielder with the drive and technical ability of Tomas Soucek would transform this Palace side, just as the 25-year-old has for the east Londoners.

But for a side that had one of the longest breaks they will experience between games in this congested season, Palace were often worryingly lethargic. There was no obvious direction when they had possession, and too often West Ham broke through the midfield with ease.

The Eagles seemed to require too long to realise that their passes needed to be firmer because the ball was holding up in puddles.

If the attack has generally under-performed during Hodgson’s reign, then how easily West Ham scored their goals should be a concern.

In the better periods of the last three and-a-half years, Palace have recorded some of the best defensive stats in the Premier League. Hodgson will have a huge dilemma if his defence does not tighten up.

The 73-year-old has not had a settled centre-back pairing all season. But conceding twice from set-pieces is as uncharacteristic as his Palace side will ever be.

This result could have been so much better had the Eagles capitalised on their early lead. A wonderfully-worked goal, involving passes between Ebere Eze, Christian Benteke and Zaha, led to the latter creating space on the edge of the box. The Ivorian arrowed an effort into the left-hand corner.

But Palace retreated. Michy Batshuayi’s consolation in the final minute of added-time was one of just six attempts to West Ham’s 17.

Vicente Guaita should have commanded his six-yard box better when Soucek met Michail Antonio’s cross to powerfully head home an equaliser.

If that could be forgiven, then the second goal could not. Six yards from goal, the Czech international was allowed to control Aaron Cresswell’s free-kick and was afforded time to squeeze a shot between Guaita and the near post.

Antonio also hit the post twice before the interval.

If there is some solace to take, it is that at least Palace were marginally better in the second half. But they still conceded to Craig Dawson’s header from a corner before substitute Batshuayi netted the first goal of his second spell with the Eagles.

There are caveats to this result. West Ham are in-form and genuine contenders to qualify for the Europa League. But that is only because their recent recruitment has been excellent.

Each of Palace’s problems cannot be simply pinned down to Hodgson, but a succession of disappointing results presents a clear problem for the boss.

Hodgson is no fan of statistics and is often correct to say they can be selective. But there is no way you can spin their recent form to make it appear successful.

They have won just twice in 13 matches.

One of those came against a Sheffield United side set to go down as one of the worst in Premier League history. The other was against a relegation-threatened West Brom who had to go down to 10 men for Palace to burst into life.

The South Londoners have accumulated just 17 points from 18 games. On Tuesday night, only West Brom had conceded more goals (42) than Palace’s 36.

The Eagles have a favourable run – next up are out-of-form Wolves and Newcastle United. Burnley at home is a game Palace must look to earn points. A defeat in their visit to Brighton next month will not be taken lightly by supporters.

It would be remiss to suggest Palace are safe from a relegation battle, despite being on 23 points after 20 games. If there is to be an upturn in form, it needs to happen in the immediate future.

STAR MAN
Ebere Eze. No Palace player necessarily performed well, but the summer signing was at least probing, making runs and trying to create when all else was failing.

BEST MOMENT
Both the Eagles’ goals were slick attacking moves but Batshuayi’s just nicks it, as it could be the boost the Belgian needs to kickstart his loan stay.