A season that started with Frank de Boer in charge, that saw Crystal Palace score no goals till the eighth game of the season, ended with Palace pretty close to the top half of the table. Roy Hodgson, who took charge of the club early in the campaign has certainly made a huge impact as Palace managed 11 victories in total, helping them to the 11th place.
There were many highs and lows in the entire campaign but how does Palace’s season review read?
Here is a mini-season review of Crystal Palace’s 2017-18 PL campaign:
3 players Who Impressed:
Wilfried Zaha:
The English winger managed nine goals and three assists this season, standing as the most productive Palace player. Playing in different roles, Zaha was the talisman that Palace needed to win most of their games and he emerged as the club’s best player for the 17-18 campaign.
Luka Milivojevic:
Having cemented his place in the first team under Hodgson, Milivojevic was one of the most consistent midfielders in the league. He racked up 10 goals and an assist and was one of the major reasons for the turn in form at Selhurst Park.
James Tomkins:
With more clearances and more blocks than any other Palace defender, Tomkins was in solid form throughout the season for his side. He made 27 starts, picked up three goals and was easily one of the best players for The Eagles.
3 Players Who Disappointed:
Christian Benteke:
The Belgian ace was expected to score big for Palace this season but he managed just three goals and five assists and was just not able to get going, leaving Palace a bit dry in front of goal.
Jeffrey Schlupp:
With just an assist in 24 league appearances, Schlupp was not his usual self on the flank and was one of the many reasons for Palace’s struggles in the top flight.
Bakary Sako:
Another striker who struggled in front of goal, Sako scored just three goals in 16 appearances for The Eagles and was disappointing in most games he started for the side.
Season Rating:
While Hodgson did really well to help Palace back after a disastrous start to the season, it was not enough for the side to break into the top half of the table. Given their first seven games, Palace did really well to move to the 11th place but for the quality in their side, they have certainly not done much justice.
The manager will not be too pleased with the league position and will want his side to strive for improvement this summer.
Rating – 5/10