Crystal Palace have enjoyed a mixed start to the 2022/23 campaign and stayed 11th in the table when the Premier League came to a halt.
In Patrick Vieira’s first season in charge, the Eagles finished a respectable 12th in the table. The Crystal Palace faithful will hope for an improved campaign and a top-half finish this time around, with Vieira’s side winning five and losing four in their 14 games.
With the World Cup break in full swing, let us take a look at the three things we have learned from Crystal Palace’s season so far.
#Eberechi Eze’s turnaround continues
Eberechi Eze has been one of the success stories of Crystal Palace so far this season, raising hopes that the creative midfielder could revive his Selhurst Park career.
The former England Under-21 international spent more than five months on the treatment table after suffering a nasty Achilles injury in May 2021, which resulted in a slow start for him last season under Patrick Vieira. But with a full pre-season under his belt this time around, Eberechi Eze is doing ever so well and has shown signs of getting back to his sublime best.
Eze, 24, seems more engaged and enthusiastic this season, bagging two goals and three assists in 14 league games. So, Vieira will be thrilled that the midfielder has recovered fully from his horrific injury and making an impact almost in every game.
#Tough nut to crack
Crystal Palace have shown this season that there is more resilience and discipline when defending. In 14 games, they have conceded 18 goals– boasting a better defensive record than the likes of Tottenham, Manchester United and Brighton.
Joachim Andersen and Marc Guehi have formed a strong partnership at the heart of the Palace backline, while the arrival of Cheick Doucoure seems to have inspired Eze and Olise to hit new heights. Vicente Guaita has performed well in between the sticks, and his commanding presence behind the back four continues to inspire a lot of confidence within the Palace rearguard.
Tyrick Mitchell, Joel Ward and Nathaniel Clyne have contributed well defensively from full-back positions, making the Eagles a tough nut to crack for the opposition.
#Selhurst Park becoming a fortress
Since losing 2-0 to Arsenal on the opening day of the season, the Eagles have tasted defeat just once at Selhurst Park—a 2-1 loss to Chelsea at the start of October.
Vieira’s men have played seven home games so far, winning three, drawing two and losing two in the process. To have played with so much confidence, energy and impetus at home this term is the best review Vieira could have for Selhurst Park.
The Selhurst Park faithful have made a huge difference and they will have a huge part to play when the Premier League season resumes.
