Crystal Palace lost again. This time thanks to a late Zlatan Ibrahimovic winner. Here are five things Naveed Khan learned. 

1. Flamini has a role to play

It may have only been for 45 minutes, but Mathieu Flamini showed he has a part to play this season. His reading of the game was apparent with him intercepting at least one goal scoring opportunity and two blocks in important areas. While his passing was measured and calm, he critically seemed to bring the best out of Yohan Cabaye – Flamini’s defensive work freeing up his fellow Frenchman to pick the ball up deep and start moves. He also provided cover for players who were moving out of their zones, something which has been lacking this season. The longer this run of form continues, the more we will need him.

2. Benteke forced into no-man’s land

Christian Benteke has in many ways been the striker we had been lacking and all hoped for; excellent in the air, a very able touch and an eye for goal. However, against Manchester United he was forced into no-man’s land and nothing was done to address it. There was merit in the way the defence and midfield looked to keep the ball but the possession was by and large ineffectual and forced Benteke to come deeper to get involved.

Which in turn meant when the team needed an out-ball, it was not an option while also allowing Manchester United to play further up the pitch. Regardless of how a team is set up, it needs a focal point. Our tactics last night nullified ours – the manager still thought fit to criticise Benteke for his hold up play.

3. In-game management found wanting

When Alan Pardew makes substitutions which have a positive impact on games, like against Sunderland and the Frazier Campbell one at Hull, there is a sense of self-congratulation from the manager. However, there is a lack of acknowledgement when the opposite occurs and yesterday his in-game management was found wanting and ultimately costly. Starting the most in-form winger in the league out of position (albeit it was effective against a back 3 of Hull for part of a game) and our midfield engine room on the right of midfield were both risks which did not pay off.

And the changes he made did not seek to impact this. Chung-yong Lee, who had worked hard to cover ground on the left and played with discipline was replaced by a left-back who Pardew does not have the confidence in to start games. This was followed inexplicably by the withdrawal of James McArthur with minutes remaining for a forward who had no interest in covering ground. In the last two games, substituting McArthur has cost the team three goals and three points. The manager is accountable for this.

Yesterday #CPFC https://t.co/kV6dE4elTy pic.twitter.com/iZQSL0DYD7

— Sebastian F (@sebastian1906) December 15, 2016

4. Under-fire players show resilience 

With the team’s form in its current state, it has been natural for there to be focus on individuals. Four who have been oft-criticised gave solid and dependable performances last night, showing they can have a part to play. Martin Kelly, aside from conceding the free-kick which led to their first goal, was diligent throughout the game.

Wayne Hennessey made a save from Wayne Rooney soon after Palace’s equaliser which was as good as David De Gea’s save from McArthur. Lee was focussed and hard word working on left, helping Joel Ward and also supporting attacks when the opportunity arose. And Cabaye showed the merits of him as a deep lying midfielder when he has a partner switched on to defensive duties alongside him. Positives for them all to build from.

5. Palace fans are remarkably patient

Steve Parish took to his programme notes to differentiate between the Palace fans who attend matches and those who express themselves on social media; as if they are mutually exclusive. One can understand how he reaches this conclusion – the fans at Selhurst Park were incredibly supportive of the team, again. And that is the crux; the fans are supporting the team – there were no songs about the manager and that is the first sign that the entire fan base is not all behind the manager and it should be mistaken for the fans being content with the current situation.

The awful run of form, 11 home wins in nearly two years and the fans are still backing the club. That there has not been an overt turning on the manager like there was with Alan Smith, Ian Holloway and Neil Warnock should not be taken as signalling contentment with the situation; to do that would be complacent at least. The fans’ patience is not a weakness.

What do you think? Comment below!