Palace defeated Sunderland with the last chance of the game, thanks to Christian Benteke. Here are five things Robert learned. 

Zeki Fryers patience might pay off

It's one of the most unlikely points to make, but Fryers is a player that is seeking redemption at Crystal Palace and, after barely featuring for two years, that might just come.

The left-back took the the pitch late in the game and, with a deft touch, a burst of pace and the sweetest of crosses, he set up James McArthur go score the equaliser.

Much has been said about Fryers since he signed. But with Pape Souare sidelined, an opportunity for him to really stake his claim has arisen -- now its up to him to take it.

Palace's lack of depth is still problematic 

For all the talk of signing better players, Palace still have a chronic lack of depth that could be exposed with just a few injuries. With Scott Dann out because of a hamstring problem, and Wilfried Zaha seemingly suffering a similar problem, Pardew finds himself without a centre-back on the bench and having to play Puncheon -- so adept in a central role so far this season - on the wing. It also resulted in Cabaye having to play the 10-role - a position he hasn't played in since the club signed him last season. 

This leads to the question, if Bakary Sako doesn't automatically take Zaha's place in the team when there's an injury, what role can he play for the club? Is it sensible for the club to line players up in positions that don't suit them, when there are subs who arguably should be challenging for those positions left on the bench?

Palace's recruitment has been good this summer. There have been improvements on the whole. But given the injury difficulties we had since January, there's arguably still a worry that one or two players getting hurt could completely derail the team. 

Palace's pressing game needs better defenders 

It was mentioned on Twitter on Saturday that Palace have transformed themselves into a better pressing team, supposedly becoming the 4th best side in the division for it. It's clear that something has changed.

Palace's midfield, buzzing like a mango-coloured hive of activity, appeared to suffocate Sunderland's centre ground, forcing much of their play down the wings. Whenever their central players took possession, Palace were ready.

While this worked well, it forced much of their play down through the wings -- which in turn exposed Palace's weaknesses in those positions. Joel Ward and Martin Kelly were run ragged for much of the game and it's little surprise that Pardew subbed Kelly for Fryers. 

The pressing game has its advantages but with full-backs that struggle to adapt, better sides might just take better advantage of those weaknesses. 

Benteke shows a class we lack 

Clubs make their own luck, and Palace have done so by spending £30m on a striker. The opportunity which fell to Christian Benteke was one which no other forward in the Palace squad would have had the sense to take. 

Players all too often rush towards where they think the ball will go, rather than stay where they want it to be delivered. His words - indicating that he told Lee where he wanted the ball to be placed - indicated an intelligence about his play. 

The brilliance in what Benteke provides isn't just his striking ability but his willingness to contribute in effort and in terms of non-attacking work. There's clearly more to come from the Belgian.

James McArthur is the driving force

We've said it before, but we'll say it again for emphasis. McArthur is the driving force in Palace's midfield and, when he's missing, the club loses a lot of its impetus. 

The Scotsman's omission last season because of injury had such an impact that losing him again could have a catastrophic effect on how the team play. Whether it's Puncheon, Cabaye or Ledley playing alongside him, it's clear that McArthur is the keystone in that midfield. 

If Palace do look at recruiting another centre-mid in January, they'll need to look for someone akin to McArthur. If that's even possible.