I remember when Roy took over I was a bit concerned about his willingness to change a game, remembering his Euros disaster as England Manager.

However, within a month he was facing an injury crisis and we only had about 11 fit players. He had no options so it went largely unnoticed how little he made subs and when he did just how late they were.

However, this season it just doesn't make sense. It's one of the strongest benches we've ever had as a Palace team.

Meyer is clearly going to be a starter but in games like today where possibly he's not quite up to speed, he's perfect for when Schlupp's having an unspectacular game in the 55th minute.

Ayew hasn't had a minute yet and correct me if I'm wrong he can't play against Swansea so it's baffling he didn't get any time.

That game was an easy Palace win if you drag Tekkers off at half time and give Meyer at least 30 minutes.

At 72 I don't see Roy changing his ways. Is this going to be a problem? I hope not, he seems excellent in every other way but we really don't need something silly like a stubbornness to change things hindering us in a season that could potentially be our best.

It was the case all last season and was very conspicuous today given that we were terrible in the second half.

Totally agree. It's a squad game, and we had some good options at our disposal today. It's so frustrating when they're either not used or not given enough time to have any impact.

He only recently turned 71.
We dont have the benefit of working with players on the training ground all week, only for 90 mins on a match day and only those picked to play so I'd have to bow to Roy's vastly superior knowledge, experience, football knowledge and opinion of the individual.
We all do. Nobody deserves unconditional, unending praise or is immune from criticism indefinitely but I think after the miracle he pulled off last season he deserves at least the benefit of the doubt that he knows a bit more than any of us what he's doing wouldn't you say?

To be fair I think I reference this when I mentioned Meyer is clearly a starter but I assume from Roy's experience and understanding of football that Schlupp is the better option at this stage of the season.

I'm a massive critic of Benteke, I hate the player to be totally honest but again, I do bow down to Roy's superior knowledge and it's hard to argue after our Fulham and Liverpool performance that starting with the same team was the wrong thing to do.

Like you say though, no one should be immune to criticism just because they are football professionals and it is my unprofessional opinion judging by how Meyer changed the game that he should have been given at least 35 minutes, unfit or not.

I also think Roy is wrong to leave it unchanged despite how well we played in previous games, hell even in the previous half of the same game, when we are playing as terribly as we did that 2nd half.

Zaha was having a terrible game but history tells us he's capable of still popping up with something when needed. He scored a goal when largely anonymous. History tells us Benteke won't put the ball in the net if you give him 5 hours of playing time so why give him until the 85th?

I like many others don't believe Sorloth is the answer but there is no history to say one way or the other and 5 minutes when 2-1 down won't help anyone figure out the answer.

In theory Meyer should be less match fit than Ayew as he was without a club whereas Ayew had pre-season.

Weight isn't an issue really (within reason) especially if we're talking coming on for the last 20 minutes instead of Sorloth.