I think it was somewhat of a battling performance really, but with very little to offer going forwards... Which to be honest, I somewhat expected without Ndiaye and McBurnie.
Defensively, I feel for the most we managed palace's pace relatively well. The worrying thing about the style in which we play, is that we find ourselves susceptible to the counter against top flight teams. We didn't look overly panicked and for the most we dealt with all that they threw at us.
That midfield.... Well, it didn't work did it??
I understand the reasons behind Hecky's decision to go experience etc, but it wasn't a midfield that would ever dominate and win a game.... nor would it pose any sort of additional attacking threat. Ozzy for the all the flack that he gets, actually worked his socks off and ran himself ragged. He attempted to back up our wide theeat, but at the same time was extremely cautious in getting back in numbers. Bash likewise is happy to drop back and mop up pressure but it all leads to us becoming so deep, with little outlet going forwards.. Norwood was completely ineffective in terms of getting us forward...... It just didn't work and I was perdonally calling for those midfield changes much earlier than they happened.
The front two were extremely isolated and I feel that we needed a battering ram up there to assist them. Benie was a slow burner in the first half, but then again there was no quality going forward from midfield...and no support in behind him. Osula on the other hand....he worked hard, battled hard and gave everything that he has, however once more the above applies.....
We did see glimpses of improvement from the front two second half, most of this was due to direct running and realising that we would have to grab the bull by it's horns....
Strikers required being the biggest thing that I take out of that result...Midfield I think we have the assets, possibly one more if a possibility.
Also Larouci.... I thought he showed great desire and was much improved in his cameo today.
vs. 
