For me the most satisfying takeaways were:

1)after a bit of a torrid first half, the halftime team talk certainly made a difference, grit, determination and tenacity in the second, we had to battle for the point, but we didn't stop trying. The Palace DNA returning.

2) The CB pairing is beginning to gel and the distribution and long range passing is something we have not seen for quite a while. Not easy playing against Antonio and our boys for the most part handled him decently, he didn't embarrass anyone this week, notwithstanding his goal was terrific.

3) Joel Ward seems to be enjoying himself and is way more solid and dependable - notwithstanding his goal line clearance! Tyrick also upping his game.

4) The midfield is work in progress, Kouyate and Mac look weary and get caught out, but Connor is setting the example for everyone .... smart, energetic and fearless!

5) There are signs that we are playing as a team, not a collection of individuals, still in transition, but with new arrivals and others to become available, we have the makings of a good competitive team.

I appreciate that is your opinion however I think it’s complete bolloxs

A fun game but also a little odd. The new centre backs look a good bet for a long-term partnership but Andersen was too easily pushed aside for Antonio's goal. The full backs both played poorly but Ward made a goal-line clearance
The real issue is Kouyate though - for at least the second game running he was atrocious. He gets caught in possession so easily and passes the ball like late-era Jedinak. The sooner Hughes or Luka replace him the better, especially if we are going to play a more possession-based system (55% versus West Ham)

Edited by pssguy (29 Aug 2021 2.16am)

I thought he was unlucky with 2nd goal, he was nudged whilst in the air ( not much you can do about that), still got his head to the ball, but a lucky bounce off Antonio’s head set him up nicely.
People saying our 2 CBS need replacing by Tomkins are talking rubbish. How many chances did WH actually create?

Considering our possession stats I'd be curious to see the statistics around Andersen. It seemed like every time we won the ball back it was passed to him, the poor lad must be exhausted, soaked up the pressure admirably.

I'm looking forward to seeing how Hughes fits in because we were seriously struggling to link between defence and attack today. Kouyates first touches were always well below par and often landed us in hot water. Macca, as much as it pains me to say it as a huge fan of his, really struggled and simply did not look happy today.

In the end the two new boys at the back took attacking into their own hands with commendable drives forward and we have both of them, as well as Gallagher of course, to thank for the goals. Ayew too, he played well and ran his heart out.

Mitchell was all out of ideas and made some awful passes, losing possession and getting lost in the counter way too often. Good player but really needs improving in many parts of his game. In fact it's no secret we need more cover at left back.

Schluppy was good once he came on too

Zaha and Benteke... Well... Were they out on the town late last night or what?

This! Absolutely lucky, no error from Andersen, anyone thinking other - watch the replay!