Selhurst Shout: End of runs provides new challenge for Palace

Yannick Bolasie holds his head in his hands after missing a late chance at Hull which saw Crystal Palace's run of scoring in every game come to an end with a 0-0 draw. Photo credit: Tony Marshall/EMPICS

Daniel Smith, London24 Crystal Palace blogger Friday, November 30, 2012
12:13 PM

In the space of four days Palace lost their unbeaten and scoring-in-every-game streak after two difficult away games up north against Leeds and Hull. They also lost top spot. But it is far from doom and gloom around Selhurst.

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On the whole the Palace faithful have exhibited realism and an appreciation for what has been achieved.

As the saying goes, “all good things come to an end”. The fact the team and fans could leave Elland Road on Saturday knowing that they put in a good performance and could have got at least a point can be an important factor down the line.

"It is far from doom and gloom around Selhurst"

Daniel Smith on the end of Palace’s unbeaten run and goalscoring streak

The unbeaten run had shown a number of strengths in the team has and also helped to influence a general change in attitude at the club. This change has created a realism and appreciation and allowed the fans to enjoy the success the club has been having this campaign.

As the team know, the end of the run brings about the opportunity of testing out another key attribute – response. They have responded in games to turn defeat into victory, but it has been a while since they’ve had to wait until the next game to do hit back.

Furthermore, the run actually relieves some pressure from the squad. As professional athletes they of course want to win every game, but putting a run together like they did is extremely likely to create a pressure which they would struggle to deal with.

Now the unbeaten run and goal-scoring record is gone, they will not be quoted after every game and the players do not have the stats hanging over their heads during their performances. This can therefore actually be employed as a positive. Every cloud.

With this ending comes the opportunity to go again. There is still more than half the season to go and with a team as competitive as Palace, they will undoubtedly want to at least match or try to better the recent run. Whether they can remains to be seen, but the whole club will certainly tackle this challenge with the same determination they have shown throughout the season.