Crystal Palace have the dubious and unflattering record of having only 6 wins in this whole calendar year. Out of the 38 games they have played, they have won 6, drawn 8 and lost 22 in 2016. Crystal Palace, under Alan Pardew, have been one of the most frustrating sides to watch in the last year or so. Comprising of genuinely talented players and a manager who was touted for the England manager’s post, this team has underachieved to an abnormally large extent. The gaffer has been given the funds and the freedom but things just don’t seem to fall into place for them.
With the team hovering above the relegation zone, it is expected the board will be taking stringent action sooner rather than later. The next couple of games will be extremely important for the Eagles as it will determine the direction they will be heading eventually.
Let us take a look at the 3 things the club needs to do in order to turn things around at the Selhurst Park.
SACK ALAN PARDEW
The former Newcastle United manager will be called a failure if his Palace stint were to end now and probably be called a disaster if it is allowed to continue for any longer. Pardew has failed spectacularly to form a team together. He has spent handsomely, he has been granted freedom but the players in the team all look like playing individually. The likes of Cabaye, Zaha, Benteke, Townsend and Puncheon- they are capable of much, much more. The board will surely have issued an ultimatum to Alan as far as the results in the next few games are concerned.
APPOINT SAM ALLARDYCE
Yes, Big Sam messed it up at the start of the season. Left Sunderland hanging midway and went off bumbling to help Rooney win a World Cup but it never seemed to be the right fit and the forces conspired and he finds himself without a job and a potential opportunity lurking. He will be the perfect fit as far as getting the players going is concerned. He won’t be messing around and with the likes of Dann, Delaney, Benteke, Cabaye and all the flair players, he really could build something together.
SIGN A DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER
Palace have options all over the pitch but they have failed to replace their captain- Mike Jedinak. The Eagles tried to fill up the gap but failed in a late attempt during the summer transfer window. Free agent Flamini hasn’t been able to step up and it looks likely that they have to go back in the January transfer window. There will be options such as Morgan Schneiderlin and John Obi Mikel. While the transfers won’t be straightforward, they will be upgrades if Palace manage to get them done.
