August 13 2016

Alan Pardew

Crystal Palace were defeated 1-0 at home to West Bromwich Albion in the first fixture of the new season.

The Eagles looked toothless up front in a colourless game that the Baggies nicked with a set-piece winner late in the second half.

Andros Townsend made his Palace debut and was the most creative outlet in an Eagles side devoid of any real attacking threat against what was a typical, well-drilled Tony Pulis side.

Alan Pardew was missing some key men – including new signings James Tomkins and Steve Mandanda – with Lee Chung-yong and Mile Jedinak making rare starts.

The most noteworthy moment in the first half came when Wayne Hennessey superbly dived to his left to claw out a Salomon Rondon effort.

After the break, Wilfried Zaha had his shot saved by Baggies keeper Ben Foster when clean through for the Eagles.

Rondon headed in the only goal of the game in the 74th minute after meeting James McClean's free-kick on the right side.

The introduction of Yannick Bolasie – who is strongly rumoured to be joining Everton – and Yohan Cabaye failed to spark Palace into life as they were on the wrong end of an Albion smash-and-grab.

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