I agree. If, at the beginning of season, you'd told me we'd be mid-table and in the FA Cup QF's in March I'd of had a full on panic attack I'm well known amongst associates for being a fatalistic and pessimistic worrier but this is whole new levels. FA Cup, Tuesday night, s**t weather against lesser opposition, was hardly a recipe for gut-busting 'leave it all out there' performances but we're through and that's all that matters! COYP

Now Zaha's got a bit of green grass ahead of him here... and finds Ambrose... not a bad effort!!!!

Harsh, but fair

"If you choose to live in a world ruled by hamburger, that is your choice.. I choose to wipe them out. And if I have to, I can do it by myself. "
-The Batwinged Hamburger Snatcher

We're through and that's all that matters.

I have to say though, I am utterly sick of Ayew's lack of end product. Cross after cross and shot after shot wasted, it's infuriating to watch. There's absolutely no reason to start him other than "he works hard".

Olise needs to always start on that side now, he is the bollocks and his crossing, shooting and all round game is a mile clear.

We were somewhere around Barstow, on the edge of the desert, when the drugs began to take hold...

You don't know this Eze was fine last season plus he came from the Championship so he knows the rough style well.

It was a poor team selection with so many games in a short period he should of given others a chance this would also give him a chance to have a proper look at them to see if they are trying to even compete for a place in the team.

But nope same old even Roy at this stage would do proper changes.

Pro players can not be expected to play this many games for the full 90min the other staff should be saying this to him also why risk players getting injured in a game which may be a bit rough when you dont need to.

Only three positives from the game

the win
no injuries
finally we got to see a youth player who looked to be palace best player.

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We are in the hat for the quarterfinals, that is all that matters, really. But what a horrible, horrible Palace effort. Zaha did his best to get a Stoke assist, Ayew (no comments) and how come Edouardo is regarded below Mateta?
Great game from our left-back kid, Jairo proved he is wasted on the bench and Schlupp is no more than a passenger. Hope our luck in the draws continues, sod we avoid the big guns in the next round.

This isn't the league, performances mean absolutely nothing and it is entirely just the result. The weather was horrible and we should just be glad we're through. Having said all that...

...Mateta has the worst first touch since I can't remember when and I'm starting to think perhaps he won't be here next season. I keep hoping that he might have that unexpected quality that Bolasie always had, but you would hope at this level a player would know how to trap and hold a ball. Did the club just agree to the reduced fee out of desperation as they couldn't get a better option? Bentenke is in semi-retirement but Edouard must be watching on thinking "What have I done wrong?"

Tayo was about the only bright spot. Naive at times, but so much energy and has a great left foot. He hit a couple of great direct balls that landed right on Mateta's head. Jairo always comes across as a good guy so I'm glad he got the winner. A great opportunity to play Eze in his preferred central role last night with the way we set up, but again he's left on the bench. I think Vieira has done a great job, but I just don't understand why he is still not getting game time, unless he isn't fully fit.