Wilf is a liability as much as a talisman but due to his temperament age and wage demands is unlikely to be sold which is bad news pp though a player + cash would be ideal considering the sell on fee to Man U Benteke needs service to be a goal scorer The new defensive signings and Gallagher are true positives An early return for Eze and the introduction of Olise will bring us some flair which is sadly missing Having failed to sign Armstrong as a striker Palace should go all out to buy Edouard from Celtic - a proven goal scorer young and being French could be drawn to Vieira in face of competition

Great atmosphere today at Selhurst - was at Charlton, Watford & Reading with the usually quieter crowds that pre season brings so was great to be back at full volume!

Today was a tough one - like someone else said in this thread Brentford are in their honeymoon period which will make them tougher to beat especially after their win vs Arsenal (no matter how awful they were!).

I think overall we held the ball a little better instead of JUST playing on the counter and the new defensive pairing looked solid enough even though they were not overly tested. Midfield was decent, Gallagher, McArthur & Kouyate (who worries me usually in this role!) played well and were constantly aggressive. Benteke was more of a target man again today, once again his main contribution being in the air & Schlupp/Ward were solid enough as well. I was also impressed with Mitchell - his first start with the whole of Selhurst behind him which was good to see.

Now the bad…. I hate to say it as I am one of Wilf’s biggest fans but today he felt like a liability…. CONSTANTLY moaning, waiting instead of moving and expecting every decision to go his way to the point he gave away a free kick because he was trying to do the ref’s job and picked up the ball assuming a free kick his way!!! For me though the biggest issue was just before half time (those that were at the match probably saw it as well) was Wilf screaming at Vieira asking what is he supposed to do…. This for me is a lack of respect and if I was the Manager I would be having strong words with him & would go as far as to bench him in favour of Ayew, I know it is not a direct replacement but at least Ayew pushes forward, doesn’t just wait for the ball and gives to the team. Let him come on as a sub to try and impact a game?

I completely get that Wilf STILL wants out of Palace (although to be fair he has been quieter this year!) but the only way to get out is to show you are worth the investment & from today I don’t think any of the teams in European competitions would be willing to deal with his attitude especially as he is not really impacting the game anymore.

I want the old (or should I say younger) Wilf back, I know he loves the club, has a special connection with the fans as one of our own (he always waves at my Son whenever we see him driving out and about) and sometimes think that letting him get away with his attitude is basically telling him it is ok… this MUST impact the other players who are pulling their weight?

Anyway here’s hoping to a good cup run this year and hopefully staying around mid table at least - I think we are capable this season and have faith in Vieira to push us forward!

[quote=bright&wright;3656098]

If Vieira isn't smart enough to realise Ward is a League 1 quality right back and gets rinsed by anyone with any ability and doesn't sign a right back by the end of the transfer window he should be sacked.

We've needed a right back for 3 seasons. It's insane how we've still not bought one (Clyne is a backup and Ferguson has not played since Vieira was playing).

Yep.. I've been saying it for 3 seasons now that Ward is not good enough for the Prem. The guy is literally stealing a living as a Premiership footballer

Don't waste your time with jealousy. Sometimes your ahead, sometimes your behind, the race is long. But in the end it's only with yourself!!

Top post and thanks for sharing Wilf's dig at Vieira before HT. He's starting to really irritate me, he gets paid a kings ransom and doesn't put in a level of performance to warrant it.

I'm really hoping Eze and Olise are going to give the team the attacking edge we're lacking at the moment. That being said it's obvious to see the style of play has changed and it'll take a while to adapt.

I was pleased when I say the line up.
Unfortunately Zaha and Schlupp didn’t turn up and Benteke was either isolated or dominated by their 3 strong centre backs.
Kouyate has a number of attributes, but being a playmaker from defensive midfield is not one of them. He lost possession in dangerous positions on a number of occasions in the first half.
With the current players available McArthur may be a better option for the deeper role as at least he’s more tidy on the ball.
I was encouraged by the performances of the new players but dismayed to observe Zaha’s tirade towards Vieira just before half time.
For those old enough to remember , Brian Clough would have hauled him off.
Yes, the game has changed in terms of how egocentric players are managed, but it shows a lack of respect for a new manager and can’t be good for the all important team spirit.
I’m one of Wilf’s biggest fans but it’s a shame to observe some of his behaviour.
I wonder if it’s partly attributable to frustration at his own performances as he has seemed to struggle to get past players in recent times.

The guy on loan is by far our best player. That's not great. We must have been asleep for the last few years. Several signings are required if we want to compete. We don't know Olisse or Ferguson, we can't expect much from Eze and Wilf seems to have suffered some kind of collapse in form. Benteke up to his usual trick of signing a contract and then giving up. At least, we are likely to improve, because it's almost impossible to get worse.

Red and Blue Army!