September 12 2016

James McArthur

Who had a good week and who had one they might want to forget...

WINNERS

Wilfried Zaha

Well, what a way to respond to major transfer speculation linking him to a move to Tottenham and suggestions his head had been turned by their interest! Wilfried Zaha produced a wide player's masterclass against Boro with a goal and assist as Palace claimed their first league win of the season. He almost blotted his copybook by giving away a late penalty but his last-ditch tackle inches outside the box turned out to be brilliant defending.

Zaha cross into Benteke who heads home the opener #CPFC pic.twitter.com/gwt8FiY1DA

— Matt Webb (@doctordubbs) September 10, 2016

James McArthur

The Palace side clearly miss the Scottish terrier when he does not play and his almost three-month absence last season was one of the factors behind the team's 2016 slump. James McArthur covered every blade of grass at the Riverside and is getting back to full fitness after a pre-season injury. The stats say he covered more distance (11.91km) than any other player.

Christian Benteke

Palace's record signing went some way to paying back the colossal £27million transfer fee paid to Liverpool with a goal against Boro. It still hasn't quite sunk in that Palace have a striker of his quality and the players know that he will convert most chances when given the opportunity. Can he be the forward that hits 20 goals for the Eagles?

LOSERS

Connor Wickham

It's fair to say that the frontman who has been replaced by Benteke hasn't exactly set the world alight. He only netted in four games last season since his £7m switch from Sunderland a year ago. Ok, he has not been getting the right service from his teammates. But his regular injuries have been a constant frustration. Out of action again away at Middlebrough, he would have been a fine replacement for Benteke late on. We need a Wickham that's fit for the season.

Damian Delaney

Listen, we love Damo. Everyone does. But he was caught flat footed when defending Stewart Downing's corner and it's not clear how he didn't jump for the ball when Daniel Ayala rose to head in Middlesbrough's equalising goal. Boro players felt he got away with conceding a penalty for a hand ball in the box during their end-of-game rally.

Alan Shearer

The former England goal machine criticised Wilfried Zaha's assists record on Twitter. Palace chairman Steve Parish put him in his place sending social media into frenzy. Well done Steve!

I retired 10 years ago and still only have one less assist than Zaha! https://t.co/wbheHlU4ir

— Alan Shearer (@alanshearer) September 11, 2016

Wikipedia says @alanshearer 23 goals in 118 games between the age of 18-22 for Southampton @wilfriedzaha 20 in 160 from the wing.

— Steve Parish (@CEO4TAG) September 11, 2016