Minute-by-Minute Review: Manchester City 1 - 0 Palace

5'- Dzeko sprays one wide right across the face of goal.
6'- Commentators on the crowd: "It's like being in a library."
7'- Fernandinho shoots and deflects off Gabbidon for a corner.
11'- Silva fires inches wide to the left from the top of the arc.
15'- Bolasie fires wide left from 20 yards.
20'- Milner just misses over the bar from the 18.
22'- Dzeko's headed cross comes off Delaney for a corner.
23'- Kompany's low drive from 25 yards is held by Speroni.
24'- 77% to 23% possession. Surprised we've had it that long. Milner's shot deflected inches wide of the far post for a corner.
28'- Bolasie hits one off center, saved by Hart. At the other end, Silva gets a long pass and fires wide of the near post. Header off the resulting corner saved easily by Jules.
29'- Parr's sends a low cross to Jerome, but Hart meets him in the nick of time, with Jerome bumping into the keeper.
32'- Hart and Jerome still down on the pitch. Hart bruised under the eye, while Jerome might have a knee complaint.
35'- Chamakh replaces the injured Jerome.
40'- Silva's attempt right near the endline flies high and wide.
43'- The natives are restless at the Etihad.
44'- Fernandinho fires just over the bar from 15 yards.
45'- Five added minutes.
45'+2- Fernandinho's header is tipped over by Jules off Milner's cross.
45'+4- A couple of great blocks from the backline. Excellent first half.

47'- Garcia's off-balance header off a corner goes over.
50'- Puncheon forces Hart into a diving save with a slight curler from 25 yards out.
51'- Chamakh's header is inches wide off of Bannan's corner.
55'- Nasri is in for Fernandinho. Negredo replaces Boyata.
62'- Puncheon with space, curls one just wide left. Another warning shot.
63'- Puncheon flicks one on to Bannan, but is cleared at the last moment for a throw.
64'- Jedinak slides in a shot that's tipped away by Hart.
66'- Dzeko puts one in to the corner of the net from the penalty spot area after receiving a nice cross. 1-0.
67'- Ward's long drive tipped inches wide by Hart.
68'- Header right into the ground by Ward off the corner.
74'- Kolarov in for Milner.
76'- Williams is in for Bolasie.
78'- Dzeko's header easily stopped by Speroni off Kolarov's cross. 2nd half possession numbers are 80% to 20%.
81'- A yellow to Delaney for a high-footed challenge. Gayle in for Bannan.
83'- Man City playing keep-away, as they have for most of the game.
85'- Puncheon drives one, but comes off of Gayle for a goal kick.
87'- Possession is 78% to 22% overall.
89'- Silva booked for a hard tackle on Williams.
90'- Dzeko's tight-angle header hits the roof of the net after a cross from Navas. Three added minutes.

FINAL: MANCHESTER CITY 1 - 0 PALACE

My "Man of the Match":

Joel Ward. Played well again in defense, and had the best opportunity to equalize when he misplayed his header in open space near the six-yard box with 20 minutes to go.

Fantastic effort by the boys today. 0-1 against the best home side is nothing to hang your heads about. Well done.

At the halfway point, Palace sits 17th by way of goal difference over Fulham. The new year begins with a big home clash against Norwich.

Minute-by-Minute Review: Aston Villa 0 - 1 Palace

3'- Cross from Puncheon headed up in the air by Bolasie; straight to Guzan.
13'- 82% to 18% possession. Same old story.
17'- Puncheon skews the long shot well wide. Bannan set up the brilliant initial pass to Jerome.
24'- Not too many quality opportunities on goal halfway through this first half.
25'- Couple of recent crosses by Villa go straight to Speroni. Parr crosses to Puncheon, headed weakly straight at Guzan.
27'- There's a Villa kid wearing a turkey hat in the stands.
29'- Mile with a bizarre slip at the edge of the box, trying to find Bannan instead of shooting.
35'- Yellow card for Baker after fouling Jerome.
37'- Bolasie's shot from the edge deflected wide for a corner. Bannan gets booked for kicking the ball away after a weak corner fails.
39'- Kozak hits a weak header off a free kick, held easily by Speroni.
41'- 67% to 33% possession. Old news.
44'- Delph skies one that miscued into the crowd.
45'- Two added minutes.
45'+2- El Ahmadi skies one over, but blocked for a corner.
45'+3- Corner headed inches over. It was cleared over by Mariappa.

48'- Puncheon stumbles, and eventually gets a shot away after a Bolasie cross. Saved well by Guzan.
50'- Delaney skies a header off Bannan's corner.
54'- Delph to Weimann, who forces a save out of Speroni.
55'- Bannan's shot saved onto the post by Guzan. End-to-end action now. More action in these first ten minutes than in the whole of the first half.
58'- Delaney hacks a weak shot into the ground.
59'- Agbonlahor with a long run, but a weak shot is right at Speroni.
60'- Weimann fires over the bar from 15 yards.
64'- Puncheon's low drive saved by Guzan. Shout for a penalty on a sliding Bannan.
65'- Williams in for Puncheon.
67'- Bacuna in for Luna. Jerome gets a yellow for encroaching on the free kick.
72'- Yellow to El Ahmadi. Gayle replaces Jerome.
76'- Bowery in for Kozak.
83'- Ward curls a shot from 20 yards onto the roof of the net.
85'- Heard a Villa fan scream, "Where's the movement?"
86'- Moxey in for Bannan. Will we ever get a full 90 from him?
87'- Tonev for Weimann.
89'- Bowery's header tipped over by Jules.
90'- Three added minutes.
90'+2- Gayle curls a stunner into the right corner from 20 yards. Absolute brilliance!

FINAL: ASTON VILLA 0 - 1 PALACE

My "Man of the Match":

Gayle is the magic man. When we arguably should have had three points earlier in the match, Gayle steals it with a stunner in stoppage time. Off to Man City for an uphill battle on Saturday.

 (Getty Images)

Minute-by-Minute Review: Palace 0 - 3 Newcastle

8'- Puncheon's long drive blocked; doesn't get through on goal.
9'- Heavy rain and wind making it hard to sustain any real attack.
10'- Anita crosses to Gouffran, but Mariappa heads away straight to a waiting Speroni.
13'- Santon shoots well wide from 35 yards out.
15'- Bannan curls the free kick to the top right corner, but Krul stretches up to make the stop.
19'- Gabbidon just gets there in time to turn away a dangerous cross to the box. Debuchy heads the resulting corner just across the face of goal.
25'- Torrents of rain continue to bear down on Selhurst. Cabaye receives a pass inside the box and skips one in past Delaney's legs.
30'- Jerome receives one from Chamakh; turns and forces a sliding foot save by Krul.
31'- Corner came off a Newcastle defender and turned off the line.
32'- Good pressure from Palace. Several corners in the last minute. Jedinak's looping header held easily by Krul.
39'- Own goal by Gabbidon, as he tried to clear it behind.
42'- Cabaye's tight angle shot held against the post by Jules.
45'- One added minute.

Half- Parr in for Moxey, Bolasie replaces Bannan.

48'- Two quick corners for Newcastle. No damage done.
51'- Puncheon's shot blocked. Cry for handball not awarded.
56'- Cabaye's swerving shot forces Jules into a fingertip save, reaching back to get it.
63'- Chamakh heads wide off Mariappa's cross.
64'- Tiote yellow card, after tripping Ward.
67'- Coloccini gets a yellow after a high foot to Chamakh.
68'- Jerome fires over the bar after Puncheon's free kick and Jedinak's header sets up a beautiful opportunity. Mishit from close range.
70'- Cabaye curls one just wide of the far post.
74'- Sting is in the crowd at Selhurst.
75'- Ameobi in for Remy.
77'- Gayle replaces Jerome.
78'- Cabaye saved by Speroni after ball rebounded off the ref.
79'- Ben Arfa replaces Cabaye.
80'- Gouffran crashes one against the post. Ben Arfa blocked by Speroni after the ball was barely kept in play.
81'- Santon's shot is deflected away for a corner.
83'- Chamakh gets a yellow. Misses the next match (five cards).
85'- Parr gives up a penalty after fouling Ameobi.
86'- Ben Arfa fires to Speroni's left. Jules gets a touch on it, but it finds the net with pace.
90'- Delaney's low drive held easily by Krul. Four added minutes.
90'+2- Ward's looping header off a Puncheon free kick is headed onto the roof of the net.

FINAL: PALACE 0 - 3 NEWCASTLE

My "Man of the Match":

Not much quality to choose from in the poorest performance in the Pulis reign. I'll go for Puncheon, who set up a couple of good opportunities, and had a couple of chances blocked. Have to look for redemption against an Aston Villa side on Boxing Day.

Minute-by-Minute Review: Chelsea 2 - 1 Palace

Pre-match- The "Special One" escorts Pulis through the tunnel. Looking chummy together.

2'- Palace with a good possession early. Chelsea hasn't won it back yet.
3'- Jerome intercepts, nutmegs Luiz, but can't get through Terry on a nice move.
7'- Palace support wonderful as always. To the Chelsea fans: "Is this a library?"
9'- Quick Chelsea free kick challenged well by Dikgacoi for a corner.
11'- Chelsea's giving away the ball a handful of times early on.
15'- Ramires' half volley held easily by Speroni.
16'- Willian's shot deflected off the post by Speroni, rebounds back to Torres, who slots it in.
21'- Ivanovic sprays one just wide left across the face of goal.
26'- O'Keefe in for Dikgacoi, who's picked up a knock.
27'- Essien shoots wide left from 25 yards out.
28'- Jerome from far out, routine save by Cech.
29'- Ward sets up Chamakh, who slots home the one-timer from inside the box! Something from nothing!

(Paul Gilham)

 

35'- Ramires blasts it into the top left corner from the edge of the arc.

41'- Willian's shot deflected into the hands of Speroni after Mariappa lost possession near the endline.

43'- Chamakh gets a yellow after fouling Essien.

45'- Two added minutes.

49'- Mata's shot blocked and pinballs to Speroni. Mata's second try moments later...smashes it over.

50'- Chelsea running all over the defense now.

51'- Bolasie replaces Bannan. Jerome picks up an interception, but fires high.
54'- Puncheon turns inside the box, and forces a save out of Cech.
58'- Essien yellow. Puncheon's free kick curled in, headed down by Delaney, but into the arms of Cech.
62'- Oscar in for Mata.
63'- Puncheon crosses to Bolasie. Free headed over and wide of goal.
69'- Ivanovic yellow card.
70'- Puncheon with another curled free kick. Delaney heads it straight over.
75'- Essien shoots, blocked to Ba, who is saved well at close range by Speroni. However, the flag was already up for offside.
77'- O'Keefe in close after Jerome's pass. The fingers of Cech along with a Terry clear off the line keep out a close shot. Resulting scramble can't be slotted home.
78'- Delaney with another header off a corner, but misses on the wrong side of the near post.
82'- Schurrle replaces Willian.
84'- Schurrle over the bar. Ba replaces Torres.
86'- Ramires fluffs it after a bad giveaway by Palace. Jules did well to scramble on it.
88'- Gayle in for Chamakh. Speroni gets two unbelievable saves on Schurrle and Ba, from point-blank range. Standing on his head late.
90'- Jerome flicks one across the face after Delaney worked hard to keep it. Four minutes to go.
90'+2- Puncheon's high cross is straight down to Cech.

FINAL: CHELSEA 2 - 1 PALACE

My "Man of the Match":

Slight edge to Chamakh for the goal and the way he's improved so well over the last three games. Honorable mentions to Jules for keeping us in it during the dying minutes, and to Delaney for the near misses he had up the pitch.

Nearly had a point out of this one. Terrific effort. Newcastle comes to Selhurst on Saturday.

Minute-by-Minute Review: Palace 2 - 0 Cardiff

Pre-match- A minute's applause in remembrance of Nelson Mandela, who passed away Thursday. They're chanting his name at Selhurst.

2'- Campbell's free header off a cross is saved well by Speroni.
4'- Bannan's free kick curls in, but no one gets a head on it as it swirls wide left.
6'- Puncheon keeps the ball on the endline and crosses to Jerome, who heads it in from the 6! Almost a mirror image of Chamakh's goal on Tuesday. 1-nil!
16'- Bannan miscues and sprays it wide left.
18'- Bannan's optimistic effort from the corner of the box, goes high and wide.
22'- Just 40% possession? Seems like it should be more than that.
24'- Long pass by KG to Jerome. But, his cross just missed on the far post.
25'- Mariappa replaces an ailing Moxey.
27'- Puncheon miscues it wide right. Great pass from Mile to set it up.
28'- Medel fires wide right.
37'- Free kick near the edge of the box is dealt with well by the Palace defense.
42'- One-two pass between Mile and Ward; Ward's shot blocked away for a corner.
45'- Two added minutes.

Half- Noone is in for Cowie.

47'- Puncheon's low, long drive goes wide right.
54'- Bannan's free kick curled in to Chamakh, whose awkward header is across the face of goal.
56'- Jerome's shot takes a touch on the way through, and almost squeezes inside the post. It's tipped away for a corner.
58'- Chamakh makes it 2-0! The ball can't get cleared properly, and falls right to Chamakh, who slots it home from 15 yards out.

(Jamie McDonald)

60'- Odemwingie replaces Kim.
61'- Noone volleys one in close, but wide right.
65'- Odemwingie heads one just wide off the cross, from point-blank range.
68'- Cornelius in for Campbell.
69'- Jerome's drive tipped away.
70'- Header near the line is judged not to have crossed the line, first off a Dikgacoi header, and then a flick by Jerome.
72'- Delaney's header goes over off a corner.
73'- Palace up to 46% possession. Still seems low to me.
75'- Cornelius shoots one across the face.
76'- Bannan's shot looks to be deflected, but no corner given. Mutch's shot then blocked by Speroni.
80'- Jerome misses wide left.
81'- Puncheon shoots straight at Marshall.
84'- O'Keefe in for Bannan.
88'- Puncheon's cross is hard against the line, and headed over the bar by the defending Turner.
90'- Four added minutes.
90'+2- Mutch heads wide after a nice delivery.

FINAL: PALACE 2 - 0 CARDIFF

My "Man of the Match":

Chamakh. Scored a great goal and really had a resurgence today. Got to a lot of balls (and won them), passed well. Solid performance.

Six points in the last two games puts Palace in 18th, still in the relegation zone, but only on goal difference, with a tough stretch ahead. Chelsea are the opponents Saturday at Stamford Bridge.

Minute-by-Minute Review: Palace 1 - 0 West Ham

Pre-match- A jog in for the gaffer in his first home match as boss.

1'- Jon Champion says, "[Pulis] wears the club shop."
6'- Ward's tight angle cross goes right to the keeper.
9'- Moxey just gets a clearance away after a panic in the box.
10'- Cross into the box headed across the face of goal by West Ham, but whistled for offside.
13'- "R. Rat." Just looks funny on the back of the jersey.
14'- Bannan curls a shot wide left from the edge of the 18.
15'- Puncheon's long-range shot is easily held.
17'- Rat goes way wide and right on a shot from the box.
23'- West Ham straying offside a few times in the last few minutes.
27'- Too many balls given away in midfield.
31'- Delaney with a yellow. Then, a chipped free kick finds Nolan, who can only bounce it into the turf.
35'- Cole crosses across the face looking for Downing, but it's too far for him.
38'- Diame heads the cross over the bar.
40'- Palace's passing accuracy: 63%. Says it all.
41'- Ward's long drive blocked aside for a corner.
42'- Bannan crossed to Chamakh, who flicks it with the head and goes in from the edge of the six-yard box! 1-0 Palace.

(Ian Tuttle)

45'- Two added minutes. Champion asks Mark Bright, "Cup of tea at the Bright lounge? / "It'll be packed."

45'+1- Downing's shot blocked by Delaney for a corner.

50'- Diamy fires well over.

51'- Long pass ahead to Jerome. Pass from Chamakh to Puncheon, who shoots and gets deflected and tipped away for a corner.

52'- Bannan's cross off a rebounded corner headed over by Dikgacoi. Jerome moments later breaks through, 1 v 1, but is stopped. The loose ball can't be corralled.

58'- Double change for West Ham. Maiga for C. Cole. J. Cole in for Nolan.

63'- Flag goes up for a shirt-pull on Chamakh before West Ham slots one in. No goal.

66'- Kebe replaces Puncheon. Possible back complaint.

67'- Tomkins with a yellow, for the foul on Jerome.

68'- Bannan's free kick to Jedinak across the face of goal. Kebe slots it in, but another flag, this time for offside, is raised.

71'- Speroni calling the ref over for a problem with his net. Came off of the clips. Ground staff is in straight away.

74'- Downing's curling free kick held well by a diving Jules.

76'- Morrison's shot goes wide left off a half-volley.

77'- Dikgacoi's rising shot is right in the center of the goal, held by Jaaskelainen.

78'- McCarthy in for Rat.

82'- O'Keefe replaces Bannan.

85'- Williams for Chamakh.

90'- Five added minutes!? Why?

90'+3- Kebe has the loose ball, but fires over the bar with the keeper straying out.

Post-match- Ravel gets a yellow after kicking the ball into a Palace player and shoving Ward in the face. Classless.

FINAL: PALACE 1 - 0 WEST HAM

My "Man of the Match":

Bannan. Continues to impress. Set up the goal and had some good challenges on the backline. Pulis makes it 1-for-1 at home, with another Selhurst date to come on Saturday against Cardiff.

Minute-by-Minute Review: Norwich 1 - 0 Palace

(1st match for new manager Tony Pulis.)

1'- Norwich corner is headed wide.
6'- Jerome's low, weak shot is held.
9'- Norwich's overhead kick blasts on the bounce off the crossbar.
11'- Redmond strikes from a tight angle, palmed away by Speroni.
27'- Jerome with a good move near the corner flag, but Puncheon gets blocked on the shot inside the box.
30'- Hooper scores after a back-and-forth passing play inside the box from eight yards out.
33'- Chamakh passes to Jerome, who misses the kick, while Bannan fires off the bar after caroming off the goalkeeper.
39'- Jedinak and Dikgacoi's shots blocked by the Norwich defense.
45'- One added minute.
(Had to watch the online stream for the first half...wasn't receiving the feed on the satellite. Finally corrected the situation at halftime.)

46'- Puncheon runs on a break, but the shot is blocked right off the get-go.
48'- Mile shoots off the side of his foot across the face of goal.
50'- Redmond fires high and wide after some good passing play.
52'- Ward's cross floats in, but Ruddy grabs on before Chamakh knocks into him innocently.
56'- A better possession spell for Palace in this half. Pressing Norwich defense well.
61'- Hoolahan strikes straight at Speroni.
63'- Mile gets a yellow.
64'- Moxey crosses low, almost an own goal, cleared by Bassong over the bar. Delaney heads the corner over the bar, deflecting off his shoulder.
72'- Dikgacoi's cross grabbed at the last moment with two Palace players running on to it.
73'- Williams in for Bannan.
76'- Kebe for Puncheon.
79'- Johnson replaces Hoolahan.
80'- Gayle in for Chamakh.
81'- Becchio for Elmander.
82'- Martin booked.
83'- Kebe fires wide right off the arrival of the free kick.
86'- Gayle with a yellow.
88'- Deflected ball in the box off a throw, shot bounces to Jerome, no pace on the shot, safely into Ruddy's hands.
90'- Four added minutes.
90'+1- Whittaker replaces Hooper.
90'+4- A scramble in the box after a free kick. Players go down, no call. Gayle appeared to have been held.

FINAL: NORWICH 1 - 0 PALACE

My "Man of the Match":

Joel Ward. A solid defensive outing. Short turnaround for the Eagles, as they face another bottom-half side at home in West Ham on Tuesday.

Minute-by-Minute Review: Hull City 0 - 1 Palace

(4th game for caretaker manager Keith Millen. Tony Pulis expected to be announced as manager on Monday.)

Pre-match- Pulis settling into his seat in the stands.

3'- Chamakh gets a nasty head bump against the Hull midfielder.
7'- Chamakh back on with plenty of head bandages.
14'- Chamakh returns after a second round of bandages; the first set fell off.

(Getty Images)

18'- Bolasie fires well wide from an acute angle, but had Dikgacoi wide open in the box. Should've fed it in.

23'- Skirmish in the stands as a result of a "We Are Hull City" banner; fans are contesting the chairman's proposed name change of the club.

33'- Jedinak drops off to Gayle, whose shot is deflected by a defender on the way through.

34'- Chamakh's tape job is pulled off for the third time.

36'- Jerome comes in for Chamakh.

40'- Speroni leaps and catches a cross from the left side.

41'- Deflected shot by Boyd finds the hands of Speroni.

43'- Foul throw by Hull. Leg goes up and ball grazes the back of the head.

45'- Three minutes added on.

45'+3- Elmohamady gets a yellow.

Half- Graham replaces Brady for Hull.

52'- Sagbo's close strike slid away by a gliding Speroni. At the other end, Gayle slides on his own and can't put the ball on target as he meets the keeper.
54'- Dikgacoi with a yellow.
55'- Cross comes in to Jerome, but deflected away by the defense for a corner.
56'- Huddlestone fires wide left.
58'- A low, weak drive by Gayle easily held by McGregor. Rosenior comes in for McShane.
61'- Sagbo's cross deflected on the way to Speroni's hands.
64'- Gayle has an optimistic shot, but goes high and wide right.
66'- Bolasie shoots wide left after picking up the giveaway. Huddlestone is booked.
68'- Jerome shakes around the defense; fires high at the edge of the box.
69'- Koren fires high, but deflected for a corner. The ball gets loose in the box, but Hull can't get a foot on it.
75'- O'Keefe in for Dikgacoi.
77'- Gedo for Koren.
78'- Bolasie controversially sent off by Anthony Taylor.
81'- Bannan scores! Jerome with a beautiful cross along the face of goal. Bannan slots it home.
84'- Huddlestone's low shot with pace held well by Speroni.
86'- Puncheon replaces Gayle.
90'- Four added minutes.
90'+2- Livermore curls one wide left.
90'+4- A Hull free header off a corner is cleared off the line, while the rebound crashes off the post. Heart in throat. Whistle blows moments later. What a game. Dodged the bullets at the end, but a vital three points for the Eagles.

FINAL: HULL CITY 0 - 1 PALACE

My "Man of the Match":

(Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Have to go with Bannan again for the second straight match. Obviously he scored the winner, but I like the way he fits in with this group. The Eagles travel to Norwich next Saturday for another winnable road match.

Minute-by-Minute Review: Palace 0 - 0 Everton

(3rd game - likely his last - for caretaker manager Keith Millen. Game delayed 15 minutes due to traffic delays in Croydon.)

6'- Osman turns inside the box and fires it wide.
8'- Good keep on the endline by Chamakh, but plays it back offside.
12'- Baines to Osman. Curls wide. Lukaku misplays a close header that would've been a goal. 77% to 23% possession for Everton.
14'- Corner for Palace after Chamakh chests one down in the box, but can't get a clean strike away.
18'- Big cross to Dikgacoi, but too much pace to shoot it on goal.
19'- Bolasie with a low shot, wide right from the edge of the box.
21'- So, it IS pronounced "Dee-kah-gwee..." Mirallas' curler saved well by Speroni.
23'- McCarthy well high and wide left on the shot.
28'- Rain coming down heavily now.
31'- Still big possession advantage to Everton. Now 71% to 29%.
34'- Moxey's cross straight at Howard.
35'- Thomas to Dikgacoi, heads it straight up in the air, off the side of his head. Glorious chance for a goal.
38'- Thomas' long-range 25-yarder tipped away acrobatically by Howard.
39'- Bannan's cross headed wide by Chamakh. Another close chance.
40'- Pienaar wildly wide right on his shot.
44'- Osman with a clean hit, but straight at Speroni.
45'- Moxey's cross thumped away by Howard. One minute of added time.

Half- O'Keefe on for Dikgacoi. KD pulled a muscle coming back on to the pitch after the break.

51'- The "Mile" chant rises up from the stands.
52'- Moxey fires well high from 20 yards.
53'- Thomas beats the offside trap, then chips it over Howard into the side netting.
56'- Deulofeu in for Mirallas. Barkley comes in for Osman.
58'- Barkley curls one wide left.
63'- Jerome in for Chamakh.
66'- Bolasie hits a weak curler to the hands of Howard.
67'- Thomas just strays offside after Bolasie spins like a whirling dervish to get the pass away.
74'- Jerome mishits the shot, but deflects out for a corner.
77'- Gabbidon knocks it out off Deulofeu as it strays out for a corner. A header by Jagielka is then cleared off the line by Moxey after caroming off the bar. Sigh of relief.
81'- 72% to 28% possession advantage for Everton.
85'- Puncheon in for Thomas.
87'- Jedinak picks up a yellow for a professional foul.
88'- Baines' free kick goes right into the wall.
89'- Another free kick near the endline is headed away by Ward.
90'- Loosey-goosey defense by Palace. Out for a corner. 25-yard drive curled wide right by Everton. Three minutes added on.
90'+3- Foul by Coleman inside the box as he clashes hard against Moxey. Stays down for a while, but gets back up after some time.

FINAL: PALACE 0 - 0 EVERTON

My "Man of the Match":

Barry Bannan. Seemed to be everywhere on the pitch. Passed well, and set up some great chances.

International break...new manager likely to come in, time to heal some of those injuries. The next four matches after the break all look winnable. Eagles visit Hull City next on the 23rd.

Minute-by-Minute Review: West Brom 2 - 0 Palace

(Second game under caretaker manager Keith Millen.)

4'- Couple of early corners for West Brom.
5'- Can barely see the white numbers on Palace's yellow kit.
11'- Guedioura shoots one hard inside the box, straight at the keeper and deflected away.
19'- Guedioura down on the pitch. Hard to tell what was injured. Hasn't moved. Stretcher is out. Has to be subbed.
22'- Puncheon in for Guedioura.
24'- Ribs were the issue for Guedioura.
27'- Quite blustery here at the Hawthorns.
28'- 4th corner already for West Brom.
31'- Berahino comes in for Jones.
35'- Cross headed away by Gabbidon for yet another WBA corner -- their 5th.
39'- Morrison fires one well over the bar, with space.
40'- Sprayed across the face of goal by Puncheon.
42'- Good win by Moxey near the corner flag.
44'- Sloppy passes and possession from both sides in this first half. Berahino curls a shot from just inside the box. Left him too much space. Another late goal -- killer.
45'- 6 minutes of added time due to the injuries.
45'+5- Berahino deflected shot held by Speroni.

51'- Dangerous cross through the face of goal saved by Ward on what would've been a point-blank goal chance.
54'- Bannan delivers the free kick, Jedinak's header goes backwards weakly to the keeper.
56'- Free kick punched away by Speroni, rebound cleared inside the six by Palace.
61'- Puncheon turns and shoots through a crowd. Saved well by Myhill.
62'- Mile optimistic from distance. Deflected wide left.
63'- Corner to Jedinak in space. Headed inches wide of the far post.
65'- Bolasie in for Bannan.
69'- Long ball off Chamakh rolls across the six and almost into the net; tailing wide.
71'- Thomas picks up a yellow for Palace.
72'- Palace struggles to clear off the corner, falls into the hands of Speroni.
73'- A run by Sessegnon; passes off into the edge of the six, game-saving tackle by Moxey before a shot can be released by Long.
74'- West Brom sub: Yacob for Morrison.
79'- Sessegnon to Brunt, spun wide of the post. Gayle comes in for Dikgacoi.
81'- Puncheon's deflected shot goes wide from 20 yards.
83'- Corner. Rising header by McAuley. Headed down and into the net.
86'- Vydra for Sessegnon.
88'- Bolasie's low drive pushed away by Myhill.
90'- Four added minutes.
90'+1- Bolasie to Chamakh; Delaney fails on a weak overhead straight at the keeper.
90'+2- Thomas' cross almost loops in over the keeper. Palmed aside.
90'+3- Bolasie turns and fires wide just inside the box. Chamakh chests one done, Thomas just fires it over.

FINAL: WEST BROM 2 - 0 PALACE

My "Man of the Match":

Mile again. Made some good runs and kept up the pace at times.

Everton comes to Selhurst next Saturday.

Minute-by-Minute Review: Palace 0 - 2 Arsenal

(First match after Ollie's departure mid-week. Keith Millen is the caretaker boss.)

3'- Sagna to Giroud, heads just over the bar.
8'- Gnabry for Flamini. Tweaked something.
9'- 100 total passes to 17 for the visitors in the early stages.
13'- As expected, Arsenal dominating possession.
14'- A roar as Palace cross midfield with a solid attack for the first time. Bannan loops a header over the bar. Great stop by Delaney on the floor inside the box at the other end.
22'- Speroni bobbles a high ball in the air, but luckily, Gabbidon is fouled for a free kick. Strong winds playing havoc with that one.
25'- Thomas' low shot from 25 yards goes wide left.
28'- Chamakh shoots it right at Szczesny from the top of the arc.
30'- Chamakh's short pass to Guedioura from the arc, again goes right at the keeper. 4-1 shot advantage for Palace.
33'- Free kick comes back to Bannan, curls it just wide from outside the box.
35'- Cazorla sprays it wide from a tight angle.
37'- Free kick finds Delaney, hits off Ramsey for a corner. Dikgacoi's resulting header goes the wrong side of the post.
38'- Speroni gets an arm out on a shot from up close.
39'- Guedioura most optimistic from almost 50 yards out. Not far off, in reality.
40'- Close range free kick headed out by Ward.
41'- Jedinak looped one to Chamakh at the six, but he can't leap high enough for a header.
44'- Giroud shoots one into the turf, handled by Speroni.
45'- One minute added on.

47'- Guedioura's challenge in the box clips Gnabry. Arteta shoots the penalty past the tips of Speroni, to his right. 1-0. Early goals in the half costing Palace again.
50'- Gnabry clips one just wide of the post off Delaney.
52'- Guedioura pivots and blasts the free kick into the wall.
54'- Sagna crosses to Giroud, headed wide from three yards out.
56'- Moxey from an acute angle on the counter shoots one that's held easily by the keeper.
58'- Bolasie on for Thomas. Ramasey breaks the far corner flag. Gives up on fixing it.
61'- Bolasie looking good early. Guedioura tried a bicycle kick; off the mark. Great fan support, as always.
65'- Arteta denies Chamakh a goal-scoring opportunity. Red card. Arsenal down to ten men.
68'- Bolasie tripped up on the edge of the box. No foul given. Looked like he got clipped.
69'- Sub for Arsenal. Wilshere for Gnabry.
72'- Kebe in for Guedioura. Monreal in for Cazorla.
74'- Off a one-two pass, Ward hits the bar after a deflection.
75'- Off the quick corner, Jedinak's screamer saved well off the volley. Nearly equalized.
77'- Gayle on for Bannan.
84'- "Arsenal cannot wait to get out of here." Chamakh chests it down in the box, but can't get a shot away.
87'- Ozil miscues after being found on a wide open cross. Giroud finishes off a run with a header from eight yards out. 2-0.
90'- Four added minutes.

FINAL: PALACE 0 - 2 ARSENAL

My "Man of the Match":

Jedinak. Set up some great opportunities, and nearly scored one from a volley that would've been another "Goal of the Year" contender.

Pleased with the effort from Palace. After the mid-week departure of Ollie, they could've folded up shop, but they hung well for 87 minutes, nearly equalizing a few times. Looking to grow on that effort at West Brom next Saturday.

Minute-by-Minute Review: Palace 1 - 4 Fulham

2'- Gayle on the early break tests Stekelenburg early, forcing a save on his right-hand side.
6'- Campana's free kick from 20 yards deflected off the wall for a corner.
7'- A header by Mariappa finds the net! High and long in the air off of Berbatov, before being tucked away. Nicely done. 1-0.
11'- Fulham a tad frustrated by the ref's whistles.
14'- Bolasie looking good in his first start back. Moving well.
15'- O'Keefe steals and strikes well wide left from distance.
18'- Defense going well. Forcing Fulham to retreat. Berbatov had to move away from Jedinak.
19'- What a strike by Kasami. Chests it down, strikes it across on the volley from an acute cross, angled into the far corner from just inside the box. Masterful. "Goal of the Year" candidate. 1-1.
24'- Definite shift since the Fulham goal. Palace look shaken.
29'- Ward's cross finds Bolasie, but he can't get much on the header in close.
30'- Alarms going off towards the end where Palace is attacking. Upper boxes, looks like.
32'- 59% to 41% possession in Fulham's favor. 6-3 shots to Palace.
33'- Bolasie's drive straight at Stekelenburg.
38'- Those boxes are filling back up after being evacuated.
42'- Cross tried to find Gayle, grabbed by the keeper.
45'- Fulham free kick straight into the wall, then Sidwell blasts the rebound into the top left corner from the top of the arc. Bolasie should kick himself for giving that one up. One added minute.
45'+2- Moxey's drive deflected away for a throw.

Half- Hangeland off for Fulham. Amorebieta replaces him. Thomas comes on for Palace, replacing Campana.

47'- Thomas' cross headed away for a corner.
49'- Speroni kicks it off Berbatov. Saves the bacon with a save off the rebound.
50'- Berbatov heads one in off the corner, in off the post. 3-1.
53'- Rare drop-ball after possession is tied up.
55'- Ball judged to have gone over the line after Senderos knocks it in from three yards. 4-1 now.
56'- Chamakh in for Puncheon.
63'- Long ball for Bent, slid and held on to by Speroni.
65'- Gayle whistled offside after a missed foul call, arguably.
69'- Phillips in for Gayle.
73'- A Chamakh cross deflects away for a corner.
75'- Mile looks absolutely dejected after misplaying a pass for Delaney.
77'- Duff comes in for Bent. Ward shoots high and wide.
80'- O'Keefe shoots and nearly gets it through the keeper.
81'- Richardson yellow card for Fulham.
82'- Free kick by Thomas on the edge of the box flies over.
87'- Nice save by Speroni off of a Kasami blast.
88'- Moxey's screamer from 30 yards out has to be parried away.
90'- Rodallega in for Berbatov. Three added minutes.
90'+2- O'Keefe tries a flick on for Moxey, but it's too far ahead of him.

FINAL: PALACE 1 - 4 FULHAM

My "Man of the Match":

Mariappa. At least we didn't suffer another goose-egg.

(Premier League Facebook Page)

 

So we remain in 19th, having scored six and conceded 17. Oh, and we get to face leaders Arsenal at home early Saturday. Lovely.

Minute-by-Minute Review: Liverpool 3 - 1 Palace

Pre-match- Was Ollie singing a bit of "You'll Never Walk Alone?" Shudder.

3'- Palace fans again loud, and setting smoke flares.
6'- Free kick headed away by Delaney for a corner.
7'- Stuck in our defensive end. Can't get past midfield.
8'- Jerome couldn't direct the close header from Puncheon's cross. Nice movement.
9'- Chamakh half-diving again, a la last week. Might've slipped, though.
10'- Jedinak's free kick blasts against the wall. O'Keefe picks up a yellow.
11'- Moses almost had a dink in from Enrique. Came off his foot and Speroni dives on it.
13'- Another Palace free kick comes to nothing.
14'- Suarez scores. Enrique passes it back into the box, Suarez slips and taps it home. 1-0.
15'- Sturridge shoots low and hard, but Speroni saves well.
17'- Sturridge makes back and forth cutbacks, hits it into the far post and in. Deja vu from last week. Two quick goals, and it almost seems out of reach already.
22'- A Puncheon pun from the commentators. "Holloway wants Palace to throw some punches." "Is that why Puncheon's in there, then?"
24'- Chamakh to O'Keefe. Shot blocked at the edge of the box.
26'- Kebe misses an open net. Then shots are deflected, and the rebound is sent over the bar.
29'- Decent spell of possession for Palace. But no positive results.
30'- Jerome's cross deflected. Sakho almost knocked it in for an own goal.
37'- Moxey fouls, questionably inside the box, but a penalty is given. Looked like the foul was committed outside the 18.
38'- Gerrard slots the penalty home to Speroni's right. 3-0.
39'- Suarez to Moses right on the goal line. Knocks it off the crossbar on a bounce.
43'- Jedinak fires well wide left after O'Keefe's drive was blocked.
45'- Sturridge's low drive saved easily by Speroni. One added minute.
45'+1- Suarez's shot saved well by Speroni.

Half- Gayle and Campana coming on for Jerome and Kebe.

46'- Sakho heads wide off a corner.
49'- Suarez handball. Protests.
51'- 320 minutes without a league goal for Palace.
55'- Chamakh has little power on a header off of a cross.
65'- Puncheon's shot deflected and awkwardly handled by Mignolet.
66'- Luis Alberto for Moses.
67'- Agger for Sakho. Gayle just blasts one inches over the bar.
68'- Bolasie for Chamakh. Good to see him fit again.
76'- Sterling gets a yellow.
77'- Campana's free kick sails home. Gayle claims a touch, and he indeed had a flick off his head from a tight angle. The drought is over! 3-1.
84'- Speroni just gets it away from a rushing Suarez.
85'- Sturridge hits it off the post, but offside was whistled.
88'- Aspas enters for Sturridge.
90'- Four added minutes.
90'+4- Aspas with a yellow.

FINAL: LIVERPOOL 3 - 1 PALACE

My "Man of the Match":

Dwight Gayle. Lone scorer, but continues to impress me, even in a brief outing.

International break next, then Palace hosts Fulham on Monday the 21st.

Minute-by-Minute Review: Southampton 2 - 0 Palace

(Missed first 100 seconds of the match due to a DirecTV transmission delay. I don't think I missed much, did I?)

3'- Good to see Ward back in the squad.
4'- Ollie back on the touchline...where he should be.
6'- Header by Southampton. Goalline clearance by Ward.
11'- 71% to 29% possession for the hosts early.
12'- Handball after a deflected shot caroms back. Free kick for Southampton.
13'- Chamakh retying his shoes.
14'- Chamakh passes to Kebe on the edge of the box. Then Bannan has his shot blocked.
17'- S. Davis gets a yellow for tugging Kebe.
23'- Lambert fires over the bar from 15 yards.
25'- Handball by Jedinak.
26'- Lambert's free kick from 20 yards is parried by Speroni.
28'- I dig Ollie's shirt and vest combo. Chamakh gets a yellow for simulation in the box.
31'- You can hear Ollie screaming "Tighter!"
38'- Ward's shot blocked away for a corner.
40'- Good defending by Ward on a break towards goal.
43'- 68% to 32% possession. Still not holding on to the ball.
45'- Wanyama fires wide right from way back. 1 minute added.

47'- Osvaldo at the edge of the box, fakes out Dikgacoi, and slots it home past the right side of Speroni. 1-0.
49'- Lambert's free kick from 25 yards clangs off the near post and in. Falling apart. Two goals in four minutes.
53'- Lambert's volley from the edge of the box goes wide.
55'- Palace fans getting louder even after going two down. S. Davis fires over from inside the box.
57'- Jerome enters for Bannan. Thomas for Gayle.
60'- S. Davis' turn deflected away by Gabbidon for a corner.
67'- Ward-Prowse in for S. Davis.
68'- Mariappa picks up a yellow.
72'- Handball by Jerome. Phillips in for Kebe.
77'- Moxey fires well over the bar from long range. Rodriguez relieves Lambert.
84'- Moxey's shot blocked from the edge of the box, comes to Chamakh, but he's whistled offside.
86'- A shot curls in off the post, poked in by Southampton, but whistled offside. Ramirez replaces Lallana.
89'- The Palace faithful are still in full voice. Ward-Prowse fires over.
90'- Five added minutes.
90'+2- Moxey to Jerome inside the box. Miscues over the bar.

FINAL: SOUTHAMPTON 2 - 0 PALACE

My "Man of the Match":

#2 Joel Ward (Neil Everitt)

Solid defensive work by Ward, including a goal-line clearance early in the match. Palace goalless and winless in their last three league matches. It won't be much easier at Anfield next week.

Minute-by-Minute Review: Palace 0 - 2 Swansea City

Pre-match- Nice hand for club president Peter Morley, who passed away a few days ago.

2'- Michu on the break, inside the box, off Speroni and in. 1-0 already.
3'- Too many nerves and giveaways early on for Palace.
4'- Nearly another goal by Swansea. Flores off the post. Three quick corners in succession.
7'- "[Palace] very jittery at the back." Agreed.
11'- Delaney unhappy after a clean tackle gets called for a free kick against Palace. Ollie in the stands again. Second game of the two-match ban.
15'- First decent buildup of the half for Palace. Cross goes across the face of goal.
21'- Puncheon's 20-yard free kick smacks into the wall. Mariappa sprays a rebound over.
25'- Michu tries a flick inside the six; should've shot it. Would've been a sure goal for Swansea.
28'- Moxey gets a yellow for a late challenge.
30'- Michu flies a one-touch shot just over the bar.
31'- Michu heads one over off a corner.
36'- Little tap-off free kick goes to Guedioura, who spins, but fires right at the keeper.
38'- Volley shot by Rangel curled towards the left post, but beautifully stopped by Speroni.
40'- Mariappa whips a cross in, but Chamakh couldn't get on it inside the six.
45'- One minute of added time.

48'- Vazquez's shot saved from a tight angle. The pass then finds Dyer, who slams home the rebound. 2-0.
50'- Rangel and Chamakh pick up yellow cards.
54'- Davies' power shot almost knocks Speroni off his feet.
56'- Vazquez blasts one over after the ball come back off Gabbidon.
60'- De Guzman in for Vazquez.
61'- Puncheon sprays it wide right.
63'- Puncheon pokes it from outside the box, and away for a corner.
67'- Thomas in for Bannan. Gayle in for Jerome.
71'- Pozuelo in for Dyer. Thomas feeds Gayle, and it deflects wide for a corner.
72'- There's still good vocal support for Palace, despite the deficit.
73'- Chico gets a yellow card.
76'- Shelvey curls one over.
78'- Britton for Canas.
79'- Sloppy giveaway by Speroni. No damage done.
80'- Scuffed shot by Guedioura, harmlessly to the keeper. A long ball finds Michu, who can't lob it over Speroni.
84'- Guedioura looped over to Chamakh. Hits one in the ground to the keeper. Offside was whistled anyway.
87'- Pozuelo shoots straight at Speroni. Michu leaves the ball behind right in front of Speroni.
90'- Five minutes of added time.
90'+2- Gayle to Campana, but he fires over the bar.

FINAL: PALACE 0 - 2 SWANSEA CITY

My "Man of the Match":

#1: Julian Speroni (Neil Everitt)

 

If not for Jules, it could have easily been a three- or four-goal deficit. Difficult game at Southampton next weekend.

Minute-by-Minute Review: Manchester United 2 - 0 Palace

2'- First corner to United.
3'- Speroni shrugs away a bullet from Carrick.
6'- Ollie upstairs in the seats, sneaking directions through his cell phone earpiece.
8'- "Eagles!" chants coming through loud and clear.
9'- Mile almost gives away a penalty against Evra, but thankfully, not given.
10'- Bad giveaway to Rooney is snuffed out. Corner conceded.
16'- Commentary about Fellaini: "I wonder if there's a clause in his contract that says he has to keep that hairstyle?" "You know what happened to Samson after he cut his hair..."
19'- Young booked for diving. Accurate call. Led with his leg and went to ground.
22'- Couple more corners for United.
24'- Good leap by Speroni. Great at taking charge, as always.
28'- Build-ups are rare for Palace at the moment.
29'- Rooney with a long-distance shot. Speroni unfazed.
32'- More shots of Ollie on the phone. "The chairman might not be happy with his phone bill."
36'- Van Persie backheels an Evra pass just to the outside of the net.
39'- RVP rattles the bar after a long Rooney feed.
40'- Gayle's shot/cross sprays across the face of goal.
41'- Rooney can't connect on a leaping header off of a Young cross.
42'- Gayle gets around Ferdinand, but misses the far corner after a sweet cross by Mile.
44'- The Palace fans erupt again from the stands. But, Dikgacoi is sent off for denying a goal-scoring opportunity. Questionable again. Looked just outside the box.
45'+1- Van Persie's penalty goes low and right of Speroni. 1-0.
45'+2- Yellow for Moxey.

49'- Speroni saves Young's drive with powerful hands.
52'- Gayle fires low and well wide from distance.
55'- Chamakh with a yellow. Young then curls one wide of the far post.
59'- Guedioura for Campana.
61'- Evra finds RVP. Skied over the bar.
62'- Fellaini for Anderson. Here comes the hair.
64'- Jerome for Gayle.
67'- Januzaj for Young.
68'- Fellaini's drive palmed away by Speroni.
69'- RVP shoots over off of a corner kick from the edge of the box.
74'- Scramble in the box, pinballed around, but nothing gets on goal from United.
75'- Another debutante. Kebe for Chamakh.
76'- RVP sharp angle shot blocked by Speroni.
79'- Hernandez for RVP.
81'- Rooney's free kick from 20 yards curled low and to the right.
83'- Januzaj moves in and miscues it well wide.
86'- Rooney goes for the "sand wedge" and sends it wide.
87'- "We're Crystal Palace, we stay 'til the end..."
89'- Rooney to Hernandez. Low drive stopped by Speroni.
90'- Four added minutes.
90'+2- "One of the longest monologues in sporting history continues", as Ollie is again pictured on the phone. Palace gets their first corner of the match. Puncheon to Delaney. Sailed over.
90'+4- Jedinak and Gabbidon clear the last cross away.

FINAL: MANCHESTER UNITED 2 - 0 PALACE

My "Man of the Match":

Gayle again. Created the bulk of the scoring opportunities on a day when Palace didn't have a lot to show for offensively. Winnable game against Swansea at home on Sunday.

Minute-by-Minute Review: Palace 3 - 1 Sunderland

6'- Pretty slow start to this one.
8'- Campana has the first shot for either side. Low and easy save.
9'- Corner kick swooped in and deflected into the net! Dikgacoi claims it, but Gabbidon's credited with the last touch. 1-0 Palace!
11'- Good block off a dangerous shot from the edge.
15'- Weird 30-45 second run of technical difficulties from the international feed. Replays run in reverse, both manager's reactions are shown in fast frame. Weird.
18'- Good through ball to Gayle, but just a bit too heavy.
21'- Sunderland cross is dangerous, headed away by Ward. Their forward pulled out; would've been a sitter.
26'- Puncheon makes a good move with space. Curled wide of the right post.
30'- Gabbidon defending well again.
31'- Cross by Giaccherini cleared well by Gabbi.
33'- Chamakh drops to Dikgacoi, but fires well over the bar.
35'- Puncheon looks for the far post after Chamakh leaves it, but hits it wide.
37'- Gayle's deflection shot saved easy after a beautiful passing run.
38'- Di Canio frustrated and lost in thought.
40'- Campana's free kick headed away for a corner.
42'- Jedinak gets a breakaway and streaks in, but the curler just misses the top corner.
44'- Sunderland's shot deflects off of Gabbi's elbow and away.
45'- One added minute.

Half- Decent first half. Let's hold the lead this time, please.

(NBC coverage interrupted at halftime for Obama's remarks regarding Syria. Thank goodness for the NBC Sports Live Extra internet stream.)
46'- Speroni punches away a free kick.
(NBC coverage returns in the 48th minute.)
52'- Ball deflected away for a Palace corner, but no damage can be done.
54'- Williams in for Campana. Danger near the box is avoided by the defense.
56'- Jedinak running with acres of space, curls one wide right.
57'- Gayle's shot deflected away for a corner.
58'- Sunderland is pressured, Gayle had space to break, but it's hacked away for a corner.
61'- Puncheon gets free, sprays a shot wide left.
63'- Arlo White: "A wonderful din being created here at Selhurst Park." Ollie is shown running up the stairs and out onto the concourse. He's back in a flash.
(NBC cuts away to Obama press conference again.)
64'- Fletcher heads home off a cross past a diving Speroni. 1-1.
67'- Optimistic volley from Moxey goes well high and wide.
70'- Puncheon's move and pass into the box knocked clear.
71'- Pass back to Williams on a break, mishit left.
75'- Long clear from Speroni falls to Sunderland, and hacked away by Gabbi at the last moment to avoid a certain blunder.
(NBC returns to coverage -- again -- in the 77th.)
78'- Gayle taken down in the box. Clear penalty. O'Shea gets a red.
79'- Gayle slots it home from the spot! Underneath the keeper. 2-1 Palace.

Gayle wheels away from the spot after scoring Palace's second goal. (Getty Images)

83'- O'Keefe for Chamakh, and Wilbraham replaces Gayle.
84'- Puncheon leaves for Williams inside the box, well palmed away by the keeper.
85'- Another low drive by Williams, saved low.
86'- Gabbi misplayed a header near the edge of the box, almost costs Palace again.
89'- Dikgacoi's long drive, with pace, has to be tipped over the bar.
90'- Four additional minutes to go.
90'+2- O'Keefe seals it! Gets it from Puncheon at the edge of the box, curled into the top left corner. Great strike. Ollie dancing on the touchline.

FINAL: PALACE 3 - 1 SUNDERLAND

After another second half scare after the visitors tied it up, the Eagles took control in the second half, including the goal of the game by O'Keefe to seal the deal. First win in the books! A week's rest before heading to Old Trafford against Man Utd in the early kickoff on the 14th.

My "Man of the Match":

#16: Dwight Gayle (Getty Images)

Minute-by-Minute Review: Stoke City 2 - 1 Palace

Pre-match- Campana and Puncheon making their debuts. Good choice to shake things up a little.

2'- "Eagles" chants coming through loud and clear at the Britannia...
3'- Palace pressing early.
5'- First glimpse by Stoke. Header lightly to Speroni.
6'- Straight shot held by Speroni.
7'- Interception by Palace. Deflected cross couldn't find anyone.
8'- Another cross grabbed by Speroni. And are Mile and Chamakh missing the sponsor's patch on their jerseys?
12'- Three straight corners conceded. No damage done.
14'- Giving away possession far too cheaply here.
16'- First real attempt for Palace. Low shot from Gayle off the break. Little power, though.
18'- Ward's shout for a penalty denied after he gets shoved in the back.
19'- Ollie frustrated again.
21'- Crouch's header off of a cross just goes over. Phew.
24'- Campana's free kick finds Jedinak, but he can only float a header into the waiting arms of the keeper.
28'- Crouch and Jedinak clashed heads accidentally. Crouch down.
31'- CHAMAKH! Looping ball was settled down nicely, and beautifully slotted home! Off and running! 1-0 Palace!

Chamakh gets Palace's first goal of the season. (Getty Images)

 

33'- Almost an immediate response from Stoke. Header deflected off the bar.

35'- Moxey's drive just wide of the far post.

37'- Yellow to Shawcross for Stoke.

38'- Campana's free kick swung just over the bar from the left side.

42'- Adam's free kick straight to Speroni.

45'- Two added minutes.

45'+1- A "foul throw" against Stoke. Don't see that often. Reminds me of my clinic days, where there would be about five of those a game.

Half- Fans appreciative of the effort, and Ollie acknowledges them. No changes to either side.

47'- Corner for Stoke. Crouch's header thankfully is mishit in the air.

49'- Stoke's up for this second half. Early dominance in possession.

52'- Corner to Stoke. Nzonzi fires wide right.

53'- Walters on the break for Stoke. Fired over.

58'- Charlie Adam gets the loose ball in the box. Low and to the right of Speroni. 1-1.

61'- Adam again, from 20 yards this time. Straight at Speroni. Stoke ramping up the pressure.

62'- Defense can't clear the ball out. Loose header then falls to Shawcross for a sitter. Sloppy. 2-1 Stoke.

63'- Garvan and Williams replace Campana and Chamakh for the Eagles.

65'- Puncheon on the right side of the box. Almost squeezed the ball through off the hand of Begovic.

69'- Phillips up again on the bench for the second straight match.

75'- Nzonzi hits a curler from 20 yards that luckily nails the far post.

76'- Phillips comes in for Puncheon.

77'- A deflection falls to Phillips, but he fires wide left from 25 yards.

79'- Another shot of Ollie on the sidelines. Unhappy. Garvan's optimistic blast goes well high and wide.

80'- Dikgacoi crosses to Gayle, who one-times one across the face of goal.

84'- Dangerous position for this Palace free kick, right at the edge of the 18. Mile thumps it straight into the wall.

85'- Weird clearance by Speroni there. Shanked it miserably.

88'- A looping free kick is flung high and straight to a waiting Begovic.

90'- Four additional minutes.

90'+1- Gayle fires well over the bar from a Williams feed.

FINAL: STOKE CITY 2 - 1 PALACE

A good showing in the first half gave way to sloppy defending in the second, and a lack of scoring opportunities cost the Eagles in the end. Back home against Sunderland next week.

My "Man of the Match":

#2: Joel Ward (Neil Everitt)

Minute-by-Minute Review: Palace 0 - 1 Tottenham Hotspur

During each Palace match (when I'm able), I'll jot down some minute-by-minute thoughts during the match and relay them to this space after the match. They could be on the game itself, the match commentary, random musings, etc. I'll also pick a Palace "Man of the Match" as well. Hope you enjoy.

5'- Too much time in our own end. First cross right into the hands of goalkeeper Lloris.
9'- Good defensive work by the captain, Mile. Still need more possession.
11'- Ollie animated as always.

Ian Holloway strikes the "Hi-ya" pose. (Getty Images)

12'- First real sustained attack. No one home for a cross.

13'- Commentator notes that CPFC is the "earthy" London club. (Note: The States airs simulcasts on the NBC family of networks, with the international match commentators, but on certain matches, will use their team of Arlo White and Lee Dixon.) Meanwhile, Dembele's strike just skims over. Heart in throat.

15'- A good omen: NBC graphic shows Palace's last meeting against Spurs was a 3-0 win on January 22, 2005.

16'- The early nerves are still showing.

17'- Ward turns his ankle. Magic spray comes out.

20'- Closed-captioning hilarity: Who's Mr. "Van Sinkle"? Turns out it's Arsene Wenger.

22'- The "We love you..." chant is going at full force!

24'- Good challenge by Moxey, saving another cross by Aaron Lennon.

27'- Garvan swings a beautiful cross to Wilbraham, but heads straight at the keeper.

28'- Moxey playing great D right now. And more Ollie animation.

29'- 65% to 35% possession for Spurs right now.

35'- Passing's abysmal at times. Great save by Speroni on Sigurdsson, tipping it over.

37'- Passing accuracy graphic: 64% to 86% for Spurs. Story of the match so far.

40'- Another dangerous chance. Speroni falls on the rebound.

42'- Commentary on the contrast in managers: AVB "looks like he's going out to dinner."

45'- 3 minutes of stoppage time.

45'+3- Spurs header flies over for the last touch of the half. Relieved to still be level after 45 minutes.

47'- First chance of the second half: Moxey straight into Lloris.

49'- Unlucky handball off a sliding Moxey. Penalty.

50'- Soldado loops the spot-kick in past Speroni. 1-0 Spurs.

56'- Couple corners in a row for Palace.

57'- Decent spell of possession.

61'- Commentary after a Tottenham chance goes well awry: "That's done more damage to the supermarket behind than anything else."

65'- Gayle skies one just over the bar from 20 yards.

66'- Triple substitution as Williams, Chamakh, and Phillips relieve Dobbie, Garvan, and Wilbraham. Liking Ollie's style here.

69'- Dodged a bullet there. Sigurdsson sprays one wide left in the clear. 13-2 shot advantage for the visitors.

70'- Good movement by Chamakh, trying to find Gayle. Seconds later, they almost get through on goal, as Lloris was out of position.

73'- Palace supporters are in full voice at Selhurst. Awesome noise.

77'- Moxey again saving with a slide on Soldado's cross.

80'- Shots are 16-2 now.

83'- Phillips goes for the glory from 25 yards, but pulls the shot wide.

85'- Off a corner, Delaney's tight angle shot is saved.

88'- Defoe almost seals it for Spurs. Another break. And they're just now using the "Offside" graphic? Come on, NBC.

89'- Ollie still fired up.

90'- Gayle to Phillips to Dikgacoi. Shot saved from 15 yards. Rebound by Dikgacoi is saved. Three minutes of stoppage to go.

90'+1- Almost misplayed by Spurs, but Lloris leaps to grab the backwards header.

 

FINAL: PALACE 0 - 1 TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Proud of the effort by Palace. An unlucky penalty was all that stood between them and a well-deserved point.

My "Man of the Match":

#15: Mile Jedinak (Getty Images)

Some predictions for 2013/14 as a whole, as well as the season opener.

(Note: I wouldn't wager extreme amounts of money on these.) ;-)

Final 2013/14 Premier League Table:
1. Chelsea
2. Manchester United
3. Arsenal
4. Manchester City
5. Tottenham Hotspur
6. Liverpool
7. Everton
8. Fulham
9. Sunderland
10. Aston Villa
11. Newcastle
12. Stoke City
13. Swansea City
14. Norwich City
15. West Ham United
16. Crystal Palace
17. Southampton
18. West Bromwich Albion
19. Hull City
20. Cardiff City

As for the Palace opener against Spurs on Sunday, I'm picking a 0-1 scoreline at halftime, with Palace evening things up after the interval with a goal from newcomer Jose Campana (if in the starting XI), then dropping a heartbreaking 1-2 decision with minutes to spare.

(Hey, I never said it was going to all lollipops and roses...)

Is 16th too optimistic?

So, I've been racking my brain, trying to come up with a prediction for Palace's finish this season. Most of the pundits have the Eagles back down to the Championship by the end of the season in May, although I did see one soul pick the Eagles to avoid being relegation fodder.

I'd like to think the club can avoid the yo-yo hoodoo (no pun or rhyme intended) that's plagued them in 1992/93, 94/95, 97/98, and 2004/05. Gosh, that's hard to look at, even now.

Obviously, the club needed offensive weapons, with Wilf Zaha gone to United and Glenn Murray out for the foreseeable future.

Re-signing playoff final hero Kevin Phillips will be a good boost in terms of leadership for CPFC, especially for the young guns on the team.

Jose Campana, the Sevilla signing, is an intriguing one, as is Marouane Chamakh, the latter being with Arsenal, always a force to be reckoned with.

I have no issues with the defense, and of course, Speroni's solid in between the sticks.

So, what do you think? Am I drinking too much of the Kool-Aid? 16th sounds pretty reasonable to me.

Damien Delaney's (bot?) spams me.

So, yesterday, I was on Twitter (shameless plug: follow me @umbie08) when a direct message notification came through my inbox. Now, I've only received three DMs in about an 18-month span, so this piqued my curiosity. And, believe it or not, it was from Palace's own number 27.

Now, the single question "Where?" provoked me. Was he inquiring as to where the closest USA chapter of the CPFC fan club was? Did he misplace his keys? Was he trying to find the pitch at Dulwich Hamlet for the next friendly?

Anyway, the "tinyurl" address should've clued me in, but overcome with celebrity envy, I clicked the link. A fake Twitter login page appeared, which I actually spotted quite quickly due to the misspelled URL in the address bar. So, I calmly closed out the browser and reopened it. My computer hasn't imploded, thankfully, but I'm keeping a keener eye out. You hear me, Kev? Mile? Jules?

So, a fan of CPFC? Living in the States? What's up with that?

Glad you asked. Since I started following the club in '08, I've always dreamed of a run to the Premier League, and obviously, on last May 27th, the wish of all Eagles supporters was granted by one Kevin Phillips.

(Photo: mirror.co.uk)

Now that the Eagles are back in the top flight, my goal is to watch every Palace match live and write a post about my thoughts after the match. I know, not exactly an original idea, but it gives me a chance to get back into blogging, and to write about one of my favorite passions, the "beautiful game."

I'll also post some random Palace-related items in between matches that intrigue me, strike me funny, or get me thinking.

Hope you enjoy! C'mon you Eagles!

"Cause we support the Palace, the Palace, the Palace! And that's the way we like it, we like it, we like it!"