I keep saying give Richards a chance at Right Back - he’s quicker, more athletic and mobile - he’s got a good touch ad decent distribution.

OK he may not be the long term solution - but got to be a better option than Ward right now and will stop teams targeting our right side.

COYP

Well, the way I saw it, we looked like an experienced Premier League team playing against a willing and enthusiastic newcomer lacking in quality.

Burnley are consistently making mistakes at the back. So it was no surprise that they conceded two cheap goals. They also struggle to turn possession into goals. I think our gameplan was to pick them off and win the match which we duly did. Burnley could certainly not be considered unlucky, just not good enough.

Palace will probably play better in other games and lose. But yesterday did enough to get the points.

While it's true that the team have reverted back to a more pragmatic style, you can't expect to lose Olise, Zaha and Eze without there being an impact.

Old, Ungifted and White

I believe yesterday was possibly one of the first times (if not the first) that Ward was taken off as a tactical substitution by Roy.
He was struggling against the winger and despite his good positioning and physical strength he can’t deal with raw pace or clever footwork.
I think this could be his last season at first team level, but he has been a brilliant player for the club.
Richards has featured in a couple of cameos as a full back and hasn’t impressed being all at sea positionally.
It might be something he could learn, but you wouldn’t want him exposed at Premier League level.
He’s athletic, competitive and decent in the air and I like him as a player but only as a centre back where he can best display his attributes.

He is playing the best football of his career, POTY so far, as you say his close control and strength on the ball has become almost Wilfesque

“That’s a joke son, I say, that’s a joke.” “Nice boy, but he’s sharp as a throw pillow.” “He’s so dumb he thinks a Mexican border pays rent” “ “Son… I say, son, some people are so narrow minded they can look through a keyhole with both eyes.”__ Forhorn Leghorn

I was at the game yesterday and agree with most of the points about Ward; his physical presence/positioning is strong but it is the raw pace that seems to be the problem as he gets older; interestingly, when Clyne came on, the problem down the right side seemed to dissipate. Clyne has a lower centre of gravity, is a bit quicker and supports the attack more in my view. I wonder what Roy will do next week - maybe give Ward a bit of a rest?
It was also interesting to see Roy keep Hughes on for the full 90 and take of Doucoure. I sense Hughes is very much a Roy type player and wouldn't be surprised if he stays in the team next week along with Schlupp.
For me the stand out player yesterday was Andersen; very competitive, reads the game so well and make some crucial tackles.
Its also worth noting that only on one occasion if I recall, did Johnstone play out from the back. It was all much more direct - a big contrast to how Viera set his teams up.

But - there’s always a but - we all know Roy is stubborn - beyond that seems to have somewhat of a blind alliance to some of his favourites - of which Ward is clearly one..!!

My view on trying Richards at right back - is that he must be a better option currently than Ward - who simply looks like a major weak link in the team at this point in time..!!

Look don’t get me wrong - Ward has been an absolute stalwart for the club - but as others have said old Father Time has caught up with him and his legs seem to have gone - nothing personal against Ward just an honest observation - happens to every player in latter years..!!

Clyne - is he really any different - maybe marginally the better option of the 2 at this point in time - but certainly not the long term solution.

No nothing about Imray - so will bow to your knowledge.

At this juncture I’d give Richards a go for a few games - if it doesn’t work out - right back is an absolute priority in the January window - but that’s probably been true since AWB left for Manure..!!

On the captaincy agree doesn’t mean Ward has to play - but when he does just don’t like the message it sends - worst player Captain - but that’s me..!!

For me Guehi has to be Captain - leads by example and is the future - but again a personal opinion.

COYP