Monday saw Crystal Palace win a hard-fought, worthy point against a strident and energetic Everton side. Robert Sutherland takes a look at what we learnt from the result and the performance. 

1. Palace's football isn't always pretty, but it's effective

Everton play an expansive style - pivotal on Romelu Lukaku's ability to bring others into play and to drive forward himself. They surround him with technically astute players capable of creating openings. What should an opponent do against such a side?

The simple suggestion would be to go toe-to-toe with them, to play them at their own game. But that comes with greater risk of being caught out and being overexposed. The truth is that Palace don't yet have the talent pool available to Roberto Martinez. And so a more rudimentary system is needed.

Palace's tactics away from home are ready-made, even if they aren't always pretty to watch. We have all the qualities needed to be a competitive away side - defensive resilience, pace-powerful wings and a rigid spine. Those strengths shone through yesterday - in all their ugly glory.

2. Damien Delaney is one of the best defenders in Palace's history

Is that a crazy statement? Perhaps. But there's a great deal of truth to it. He's a leader, an example to others, and crucially one of the most consistent, trustworthy players in our side.

Delaney helped guide Palace to promotion - and was written off. He helped guide us to safety - and was written off. He helped guide us to one of the highest finishes in the club's history - and was written off. Each and every season, people want to replace him. And each season, he proves them wrong.

For a player who signed for the club for free on a short-term deal, few could have imagined the journey he's had with Palace. He's a remarkable player and ranks as one of our best.

3. Everton are a yardstick for where we want to be...

...and how far we've come - and Monday's result is indicative of just how much we've progressed. Palace gave it a good go at Goodison Park - with a little more vigilance from the officials and a little more clinical finishing - we might even have won. 

There will be areas we can improve on. We struggled at times to keep possession, and our misplaced passes were a frustrating element of the match - but when it comes to doing the basics right, Palace are spot on. And if we keep doing those - and building the side to do the rest better - then the foundations are there for Palace to keep competing. 

4. Wickham is getting sharper - goals will come

You can see a progression in Connor Wickham's performances from his return to the side a few weeks ago to the display on Monday - the former Sunderland striker is showing some of that promise that Palace paid so handsomely for. 

Wickham did a remarkable job of holding the ball up, bringing others into play, and generally making a nuisance of himself against a very good Everton defence. Had it not been for a decent Tim Howard save - one which the goalkeeper would probably admit he knew little about - we might have seen him score his first goal for the side. 

While it is frustrating that he hasn't scored yet, the signs are that goals will come. And while they don't, so long as he gives others around him the presence and physicality to bring them into play, he'll keep getting the credit he deserves. 

5. Let's not be too critical of our players

There's an element of criticism that always follows a result like this one - nitpicking of performances where everyone seeks the perfect performance from every player - and some of that is incredibly harsh. I'm guilty of it too - with Wayne Hennessey for example - and I'll admit I need to be a bit more fair. 

A look at the forums and social media gives a broad spectrum of critique. Pape Souare is one player being picked out for mistakes - having had an incredibly tough match against a very good opponent in Gerard Deulofeu - for not closing the winger down prior to their equaliser being scored. Jordon Mutch - who actually did a very good job of providing an outlet from Everton's pressure - is criticised for being Jordon Mutch. Connor Wickham is criticised for not scoring. Yannick Bolasie for not crossing. Jason Puncheon for not passing. 

All of these players - each and every one - made a positive contribution to the outcome of the match. For all the criticism - it's worth remembering that they all played their part in the draw. You won't get the perfect performance from every player in every match - it's completely unrealistic. Look at what the players did right and you'll see they outweigh the things they did wrong. 

Well, that was annoying. Palace lost at home to Sunderland...again. But what did we learn? Here's Rob Sutherland.

We can't break down sides

Something needs to change when we face sides like Sunderland at home and away. Whether that means playing Yohan Cabaye in a more advanced role or involving either Mile Jedinak or Joe Ledley in these matches, it's clear that we reach an impass and, instead of drawing teams out, keep hitting the same passes with the same failed results.

There's plenty of talent in this team to break down a side like Sunderland - but key to that is inventiveness in the final third - something we clearly lacked on Monday night.

Crucial Errors are a Goalless Outcome

Sunderland's goal was a culmination of mistakes being made from one end of the pitch to the other. Yannick's failed skill piece, Scott Dann's dilly dallying, Wayne Hennessey's indecision - they all had a part to play. The goal we conceded at Leicester was Brede Hangeland's fault, but it could be argued that he should have been put in that position. The Spurs goal also came at a point where Palace were pushing for that elusive goal.

The running theme with these mistakes is that they come at difficult times in matches where the likely outcome looks to be a 0-0 draw - where Palace haven't broken a deadlock. Palace love scoring goals and when they don't, they allow that frustration to get the better of them.

To some extent, we should have tried to play Sunderland at their own game - draw them out a little more, and force them to make errors. We didn't - and that cost us.

Wickham is no scapegoat

It's crazy to think that, after just seven matches, some of our supporters have already made their mind up about Connor Wickham, but judging by social media and forums, that's the case. They'll point at Monday's match as proof of how ineffective he was.

And yet, his performance was one of the less troubling ones. He held the ball up astutely, flicked it on to players who weren't on his wavelength, and put himself in positions that, with better delivery, would have at least challenged the Sunderland goal.

With the service that came in - over-hit crosses and wayward passes, what should be expected?

International Breaks are a Disruption

International games are a fixed element of the football calendar, but they're clearly also a major disruption to clubs like ours. When Yannick Bolasie departed after our game last Sunday, he left as a player who'd just had a stormer against Liverpool. The Yannick we saw on Monday was far removed from that.

Perhaps it's the travelling, or the general fatigue, or the jump from playing for your country to playing for your club - but our form after international breaks isn't wonderful and players who do their duty for their nation tend to be most affected by it.

Monday was typical Palace

And that's why it's so frustrating. Every now and then, there are moments such as the Defoe goal which just bring you back down to earth with a thump.

It was as predictable as it was inevitable. Palace had the shortest odds for a match since our 2005 stint in the division. It was considered a dead cert win.

The pre-match talk focused on going sixth in the table. Sunderland were in poor form. All of these things go out of the window when Palace are involved. We all know it, but now and then we like to think differently.

It's not the end of the World. It's Palace.

The defeat against Sunderland on a cold Monday night, having had the majority of possession, chances and intent, was hard to take. So hard, that it left an impending sense of doom about the Newcastle United match that followed. But thankfully, Palace forgot about that quicker than we did and got five goals to make up for it. Here are Rob’s five points to consider about the game.

1. Newcastle United were bad, but Palace deserve credit too

The headlines, perhaps rightly, will focus on just how bad Newcastle United are at the moment. They’re a poor side lacking leadership and accountability – Palace’s equaliser was their death knell as their heads dropped and their performances did, too. Huge credit deserves to go to our side, however. The players reacted as they should – with an intent that put Steve McLaren’s team to the sword. The defence recovered after a costly blip; the midfield hustled and harried throughout; the wingers glided past their opponents too many times to count and Connor Wickham did his bit too (see the next point) – Palace were relentless. And it was brilliantly entertaining.

2. Football is not linear - results aren’t guaranteed

The defeat at Sunderland came as a disappointment for all of us, but it wasn’t an indicator of future outcomes. Not all teams we face, whether at Selhurst or away from home, will play the way that the Mackems did – and that became clear on Saturday. The difference between them and Newcastle was stark – one was cynical and organised, the other was naïve and open – and the result showed that. It’s important to take all factors into account before and after a match – the reaction after we lost to Sunderland was to be expected, but a little more level-headedness wouldn’t go amiss.

3. That Connor Wickham, eh?

Social media was awash with reactionary responses to what had been a poor team performance, calling for Wickham to be dropped or in some more extreme cases, loaned out or sold. Wickham’s display against Sunderland wasn’t awful - the things he did in that game were essentially replicated in Saturday’s win – the difference was that he had wingers buzzing around him. The striker, who has barely played in the last three months, is still finding his groove again for the club, but more of these kind of performances will see a greater return in assists and goals.

4. Bolasie Down the Centre

It does work – but with a caveat that he needs a player like Wickham to play down the centre, too. Bolasie has the attributes you’d want from someone playing in a central attacking role – he has pace, directness and an ability to skip past players while sprinting. His role on Saturday proved that he’s capable of playing that role – Newcastle couldn’t handle his pace or strength, and it worked to our advantage. 

5. Impervious McArthur is a POTY contender

For all the talk about or wingers, it’s important to highlight the role that James McArthur played in the centre. His constant irritation of Newcastle’s midfield opened up opportunities for Palace players around him to take advantage. Jack Colback, a player who has the ability to control the flow of a match, didn’t get a chance. Not only did McArthur do the defensive work he typically does – but he also contributed in an attacking sense with his two richly-deserved goals. If he continues in this vain of form – building on his contribution last season – he’s definitely a worthy contender for Player of the Year. 

Follow Rob on Twitter @RoDuSu.

So, the mooted investment by American billionaire, Josh Harris, is nearly a reality. Is it a good or bad thing? Jack Pierce takes a look at the good and bad aspects of the story.

Well, increased investment in the club can’t be a bad thing provided it’s managed sensitively and effectively and that’s the key. Steve Parish, a man so keen to tell anyone who will listen that he has grand plans for the club has been actively seeking added funds for those plans to become a reality in exchange for a significant share in the club and Harris, after protracted negotiations, appears to have met the criteria as set by Parish to come on board.

Neil Ashton of The Mail and Dominic Fifield of The Guardian both published articles on the deal’s progress last week and both were fairly detailed suggesting Palace’s current hierarchy were using the two pieces as announcements rather than mere journalistic musings. Ashton’s piece in particular contained detail that could well have been written by Parish himself.

The expansion of Selhurst Park is the most obvious project that requires immediate funding and any money invested into the club by Harris is most likely to be put the way of the best building contractor who tenders for the ground redevelopment once plans are approved by Croydon Council. The current owners will have their ideals when it comes to the development of the existing site and Ashton referenced what Liverpool have done by building ‘over’ an existing stand. Undoubtedly an exciting project but one that will require a large sum amount of money and a huge positive regarding the prospective Harris investment. The sooner the building work is begun, the sooner the club and fans can enjoy the benefits of an increased stadium capacity; a certain requirement for the club if the plans that Parish et al have are to become a reality.

Off field ventures are important but most fans’ primary concerns relate to nothing more than the blokes in red and blue scoring more goals than opponents. If the proposed investment goes ahead, how could that influence the progress the club is making on the pitch?

I’m currently in the middle of Living on a Volcano by the excellent Michael Calvin, a book highlighting the pressures and worries that modern day football managers go through, and a key theme that has come across is the instability that new ownership of a club can create. A manager can be doing a good enough job but a new owner might just want their choice in place; it can be as simple and as swift as that.

While the ground redevelopment and further investment in and around the club is paramount to the club moving forward, the overwhelming majority of Palace fans will be hoping that the work of Alan Pardew isn’t hindered by any changes at the top of the club.

If the pieces of information drip-fed to the press are to believed, Parish will remain the largest stakeholder in the club and will remain in charge of day to day business; a reassurance to Palace fans happy with his management of the club thus far and the direction the club seem to be taking. If that is the case and Parish is still guiding the ship, the assumption must be that Pardew’s reign of the first team won’t be affected regardless of changes in the boardroom. During what appear to have been year-long negotiations, Parish is likely to have made clear that certain elements of the club are not to change whatever the formation of the boardroom is and Pardew’s role would surely be among those.

With a greater amount of cash in the bank, a natural assumption to make is that there will be an increased transfer kitty made available to the manager. There may well be but whether Pardew, Parish or a new investor currently deems it appropriate to splash large sums of cash on players and inject new faces into a squad seemingly balanced and relatively trouble-free during the forthcoming January transfer window does seem unlikely. If the coffers are to be increased, then any increased spending on players is likely to commence next summer once another season of Premier League football has been secured and players’ transfer values return to a more natural level instead of January’s over inflated figures.

The prospect of more than one player of Yohan Cabaye’s calibre coming in each season is a very nice thought and if Harris’ mooted investment does happen, that could well become a reality in summers to come.

All in all, increased investment in the club shouldn’t be a bad thing but the horror stories previous deals conjure, Blackburn Rovers and Cardiff City for example, do provide good reason for a little scepticism.

However, the fact that Parish is rumoured to have insisted on maintaining the largest stake in the club as well as using his avenues within the media to promote the reasons and rationale behind seeking greater investment indicate Parish himself wants to reassure fans that the apparent upward trajectory of the club should only benefit from the potential investment of Josh Harris.

Never boring being a Palace fan, is it?

What do you think? Leave your comments below.