Looking back at February's Football
Well the month started off with a trip to Old Trafford to face Man United again, just two weeks after a 0-0 draw at Selhurst Park. I was feeling pretty confident. But alas things never work out how you feel they should and unfortunately the game was marred by the sending off of Casemiro in the 70th minute. Although we were 2-1 down at this stage I thought we played well enough to get at least a point. But as you know it ended 2-1 to them.
Onto the rest of Feb and what seemed to be a tough run of fixtures. We were facing 3 of the top 10 clubs so not an easy task by any means.
First up of course were Brighton who have I must admit really shocked me this season with their position in the table.
So it was an evening game under the lights which always makes a for good atmosphere and I wasn't disappointed as everyone seemed to be in good voice. As expected the game started off at a really fast pace with both sides playing some good football.
Then just after the half hour the worst thing happened and Estupinan put the ball in the back of the net. Of course the away fans started singing but it goes to VAR and the goal is ruled out for offside. That brought out chants of “who are you?” and was I relieved.
The first half ended 0-0 and after the break both sides came out pretty strong. Then on 63 minutes Solly March scored but this time it stands and it was time to worry!
After that Mateta won a free kick on the left wing and after a bit of a scramble, up stepped James Tomkins, of all the players and headed the ball into the net. The game ended in another draw but again they still cant beat us. Although I didn't think their first goal was offside, so I guess we git away with one there.
Brentford and Liverpool
Next up an away trip to the other side of London to face Brentford who were again in good form and had not lost at home for a while. Patrick Vierra made 2 changes to the side that had drawn against Brighton, bringing back Anderson and giving Lokonga a start. Palace came out very strong and both sides had their chances but went in at half time all square.
The second half went the same as the first until both Managers made several changes. After only being on the pitch for about 5 or 6 minutes Eze capped off a great team move by heading into the net to put us 1-0 up. This sent the away fans into ecstasy thinking we had got our first win of 2023. But our hearts were broken when after 6 minutes of extra time Vitaly Janelt scored with the last kick of the game.
Next up was another late kick off at home to Liverpool. After the heartbreak of that last minute goal at Brentford, Palace came out very strong, making Liverpool look less than average. Patrick named an unchanged side and every one of our players played an excellent game with my MOTM going to Anderson. It ended 0-0 and we still await our first win of the year.
Let's keep the faith
I can fully understand some peoples frustration about our form but with only one loss in the last six and holding Man Utd, Brentford and Liverpool to a draw, let's all keep the faith in our Team. It's onwards and upwards and not the time to worry.
Dave May
Chairman CPFC DSA
