August 22 2016

Steve Parish

Here is a look at our winners and losers from the past week in the world of Crystal Palace FC.

WINNERS

The Palace board

Steve Parish and co have done good business in the transfer window thus far with the recruitment of Steve Mandanda, James Tomkins and Andros Townsend. But it's the record signing of Christian Benteke that has raised the most eyebrows in the Premier League with the Eagles splashing out a fee of up to £32million. It certainly signals the club's intent.

Wayne Hennessey

Wayne Hennessey was much maligned – and rightly so – for a serious of major blunders last term. The goalkeeper seems to have been boosted by Wales' fine run at Euro 2016 by making a solid start to the season. The double save from Tottenham Hotspur striker Vincent Janssen on Saturday was impressive and Hennessey knows he has to keep performing with new signing Mandanda waiting in the wings.

Mile Jedinak

It was sad to see the midfield enforcer sold and he leaves Palace fans with great memories. His fond goodbye message on social media showed what a gentleman the man is. Good luck Mile!

LOSERS

Alan Pardew

The manager's quite awful 2016 league form continues with yet another defeat. For a team that plays with two direct wingers, you have to ask why the players have not been instructed to spray the ball out wide and use them. Benteke will still need service. They say you should never make substitutions when defending a corner and Pardew did that when injured Damien Delaney hobbled off and looked like he could have played on. The Irishman's replacement Tompkins totally lost his man Victor Wanyama who headed in Tottenham's winner. And the team again look incapable of defending set plays...

Andros Townsend

Many felt Andros Townsend would have been fired up against his old club Spurs and looking to prove a point against Mauricio Pochettino who froze him out. But he lost out in the battle with England left-back Danny Rose. A disappointing return to White Hart Lane.

Wilfried Zaha

Switched to a less familiar left-wing role with the arrival of Townsend, Wilfried Zaha has struggled so far this season. Two bookings in two games shows his frustration of not being able to make it work. However, top-class players are able to adapt and with Yannick Bolasie gone, Palace need Zaha to get back in the form he is clearly capable of no matter what position he is asked to play.