So we played well but the players can't play the system. You ok pal

We played with 5 at the back for most of the game as the wingbacks didn't or couldn't push up. Looked more solid defensively as a result but struggled to make progress going forward without Wilf. Need Cabaye back too.

Good things about yesterday: i thought you could see how the formation FdB is insisting on can work. Without the ball its two rigid banks, squeeze space in the middle and doubling up on the wings. We grew in confidence defensively as the game went on and restricted them mostly to long shots and, sadly, a gift of a goal.

Going forward we actually played it about well at times. The midfield turned fluid, players popping up all over the place, and i thought it was a formation that lended itself to punch and RLC. He looks class, as does the United fella and i thought Tomkins had a great game. With Wilf back we'd really look a threat.

Bad things: we lost, and arguably our two best players yesterday were on loan.

Looking at it pessimistically, away games have been our comfort zone and so the players looking more comfortable is arguably to be expected. There is also still a long way to go for this formation to be effective IMO. It needs much better awareness and marking, too many times people lost their men when the ball shifted, Ruben and Ward especially.

Yesterday, for me, also showed the importance of us learning to keep the ball better. Yes we did it at times, but nowhere near enough, and we looked tired by the end, hence the goal.

Swansea is huge, I'm already tense!

If punk ever happened I'd be preaching the law, instead of listenin to Lydon lecture BBC4

He should be given plenty of time, we have had 5 managers in 6 years. We need some stability and FDB is the man to give us that.

Agreed it was a fluid system,and as you say more like 5311,with Townsend trying to get up top with Christian.
Plus sticking Dann up front with minutes left is an old school tactic that I'm happy with.

Palace 13th 2017/18.

yes, it all sounds very promising, but sadly that will not save us, we only had one shot on target yesterday out of three, our passing success was just 66% and we won just 50% of tackles and possession was 28% our pass total was 275 versus Liverpool 712 so we have big gap to up our game to the standard required for this league!