Crystal Palace Struggles Continue: Star Player’s Lackluster Performance Raises Concerns
2 min read
Crystal Palace faced a disappointing defeat against Bournemouth, marking one of their weakest performances this season. Marcos Senesi and Kieffer Moore secured a 2-0 victory for Andoni Iraola’s side, leading to a disheartened response from the Selhurst Park crowd, who expressed their displeasure with boos at both half-time and full-time.
Adding to their woes, Tyrick Mitchell sustained an injury in the first half, and instead of opting for a positive change, manager Roy Hodgson brought on right-back Nathaniel Clyne. This decision raised eyebrows among fans.
Despite Joel Ward surpassing Wilfried Zaha as Palace’s record appearance-maker in the Premier League, the night proved far from positive for the defender. Ward’s struggles continued as he was outplayed by Bournemouth, failing to win a single duel and being culpable for Senesi’s goal from a corner.
The 34-year-old defender, who has been grappling with poor form throughout the season, could not redeem himself in the game. Not only did Ward fall short in completing any dribbles or successful crosses, but he was also dribbled past once.
It is evident that Palace urgently needs reinforcements in the full-back position during the January transfer window. While Clyne is also showing signs of decline, Ward’s current challenges are overshadowing his past contributions to the club. Despite his years of service, Ward’s recent string of disastrous performances is tarnishing his image.
With a weekly wage of £35,000, Ward’s physical capabilities have declined, making him a potential target for opposition wingers. The responsibility for this predicament lies with the club, which failed to address the issue during the summer transfer window. Rectifying this oversight becomes imperative in the upcoming January window for Crystal Palace.
