Although neither goalkeeper was overworked, it was an interesting cup tie, with both sides attempting to play a passing game, although at times one or two of Stoke’s recidivists resorted to the odd bit of clogging. A Palace player actually scored – yes, you read that right – and we just about deserved our place in the last 16.
Pardew selected an almost full-strength side: Chung-yong Lee came in for McArthur, and Campbell started in place of the suspended Wickham; in a 4-2-3-1 formation Puncheon played in the hole with Lee on the left & Zaha on the right. Stoke’s team showed several changes from their League Cup semi-final line-up and it would be fair to say this was a shadow XI, although the talented Shaqiri & Bojan both started.
Palace started strongly but unfortunately showed up the limitations of our strike force. First Campbell failed to control a good cross from Souaré, although the ball ran free to Lee who ran across the face of the box before screwing his shot wide. Then Fraizer must have wished the ground could open up beneath him as a pinpoint cross from Lee found him unmarked on the far post: all it needed was a simple header, instead he went for a spectacular volley where execution did not equal ambition. Weirdly Stoke looked even more lightweight up front than we did; I can only remember a couple of hairy moments, a free header from corner setting up a shot well over. For all their decent passing they seldom penetrated the area. Palace looked far more balanced with threats down both wings, Lee very impressive on a rare start, and Puncheon contributing in the middle
Palace’s goal drought ended when Zaha picked up a short pass from Cabaye in the middle of Stoke’s half; he accelerated straight forward and the defence just sort of fell aside, allowing him to poke the ball past Haugaard. Palace nearly grabbed a quick second when a late run from Ledley saw him get on the end of an excellent cross from Campbell only to volley just over. Palace were playing a pressing game, Puncheon a fraction away from beating Haugaard to a back pass, and both full backs were pushing on, Ward firing a shot over. The controversy came from the erratic and arrogant officiating of Mr. Clattenburg. First a fine flick header from Puncheon, far better in the centre, set Campbell through in the inside-left channel only for him to be hacked down by Wilson. A yellow card was possibly the correct decision as there did seem to be a covering central defender. But Clattenburg later missed Cabaye being taken out in a Palace attack, and as Stoke had a chance missed on the subsequent break, Puncheon was booked for – I assume – dissent: that or telling Clattenburg what he thought of the ref’s display.
Second half saw both Cabaye & Ledley withdrawn, perhaps being saved for Tuesday’s game, to be replaced by Jedinak & Mutch. The change in midfield didn’t really weaken the side, with Jedinak looking more like his old self and Mutch showing up well in a less familiar defensive role as well as some nice touches to set up attacks. Again Palace started well, with Ward’s strong run followed by a shot just wide, and Campbell’s luck not turning when his flick from a left-wing cross was well saved by Haugaard. Yet Stoke started to come into the match for the first time: Shaqiri, who was probably their best player on the day, started to inspire his team and Palace spent a lot of the second half under severe Stoke pressure. Hennessey had to make an early save with his legs at his near post, and Shaqiri twisted through the Palace defence only to fire over. The referee then missed what looked like a stamp on Campbell – he may have had an excuse as it was well after the ball had gone, but it was right under the linesman’s nose.
As usual space started to open up as the game went on. Palace came close when another good break saw Zaha fire just wide, while Puncheon was working well with the impressive Lee and Souaré on the left. Stoke brought on Crouch (the Freak being a long-time favourite of Nelson Muntz) & Diouf, effectively playing three up front, while Chamakh replaced Campbell, and quickly managed to blow a great counter-attack set up by Jedinak & Zaha. Stoke pressed and Hennessey had a couple of decent saves to make, and in stoppage time a Joselu volley looked to have beaten Wayne only to drift just wide.
Hennessey – 7 – Mostly untroubled, made three decent saves in the second half.
Ward – 7 – Was occasionally caught out down the right by Stoke’s talented tiny tots Shaqiri & Bojan. Looked to get forward at every opportunity, working well with Zaha and hitting a shot just wide.
Souaré – 6 – Was occasionally caught out by Odemwingie in the air, linked well with Lee & Puncheon on the attack, his crossing improved over recent displays.
Delaney – 6 – Was having a relatively quiet day until Crouch arrived, when Damien suddenly found himself bested in the air. Still put in the usual number of interceptions & blocks.
Dann – 7 – Solid with plenty of important clearances on the ground & in the air. Had a late header wide.
Ledley – 6 – Decent display in the defensive holding role, played a few good passes, and nearly sneaked in for a goal when volleying over.
Cabaye – 6 – Played in a deeper role alongside Ledley that allowed Puncheon freedom. Still looked to push forward when he could, some passes were over-ambitious, but still showed a clarity of thought & execution beyond most of our team. Taken off a half-time – saving him for Bournemouth or from the odd Stoke boot?
Lee – 8 – Impressive display from the start, sadly missing with one early effort, but his crossing set up chances for Campbell in both halves. The team looked a lot better balanced with Lee on the left, Zaha on the right, Punch in the middle and two holding players.
Zaha – 8 – Usual battle with Pieters which Wilf won conclusively on points, by the end the left back was booked and reduced to desperate fouls. Was relatively less effective in the first half on the right, but did take his goal well when finding himself in the middle & taking advantage of poor defending. Had more space in the second half, especially on the break, and his pace created chances for himself & others.
Puncheon – 7 – Looks happier in a more advanced central role than consigned to one flank, although he did tend to drift left in the second half where he worked well with Lee & Souaré. He did lose possession occasionally but these tended to be in less crucial areas and his quick thinking & touches set off more attacks than he gave the ball away. Played high up the pitch first half & a fraction away from beating the keeper to a back-pass.
Campbell – 5 – On the debit side he made a real hash of that early chance – why on earth didn’t he go with his head? Must admit he never stopped working and was unlucky on two occasions, being hacked down by Wilson and later denied by a smart save by Haugaard. Was a bonus defensively but you feel he was fated not to score today.
Jedinak – 7 – Half time substitute who played well in his usual defensive role but also looked to spark counter-attacks, setting several away when winning possession. His passing was a lot more reliable. His strength in the air helped repel Stoke’s late attacks.
Mutch – 6 – Thought his best showing, came on at half time & immediately involved in creating a chance, then dropped into the holding midfield role, where he did a reasonable job. Shame he left that cross for Chamakh though!
Chamakh – 5 – Unusually poor touch spoiled a good Palace counter, and there was some degree of misunderstanding with Puncheon.