Palace rarely threatened despite the odd foray on the break and parking the bus seemed to be the mantra of Tony Pulis. It really isn’t my cup of tea but Palace need points and must get them however they see fit. In fairness it very nearly worked and for a second week running it looked as though the Eagles would be heading South from the North East with a point in the bag.
It took until extra added on time for United to breakthrough as Hatem Ben Arfa floated a cross in for Papiss Cisse to head home. Another stoppage time goal for Cisse who showed improvement in his all-round game but he could and perhaps should have found the back of the net earlier.
First he and Luuk de Jong exchanged passes on the edge of the box allowing the Senegal international the opportunity to turn and crack a shot at goal which was denied by Julian Speroni.
Then Moussa Sissoko charged forward after winning the ball in the defensive third running 60 yards before crossing for Cisse who fired at goal first time only to once again be denied by the Palace ‘keeper.
As mentioned earlier Palace rarely threatened although they did come close just before half-time through Yannick Bolasie wjo fired just over the frame of Tim Krul’s goal.
The same player went closer just after half-time as his effort bounced off the top of the crossbar before heading out of play but if your reading this looking for more offensive tales regarding Crystal Palace then I’m afraid you’re going to be disappointed.
United had the bulk of possession (73% according to BBC) and had to break Palace down. Cisse was once again denied by Speroni after being played in by Sissoko before the number nine headed wide from a Hatem Ben Arfa cross. Perhaps his most guilt-edged miss however came as Cheik Tiote fired a thunderba*tard off a shot off the crossbar. Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa managed to control the rebound and centred for Cisse who missed everything.
But with time running out Cisse was to have the last laugh and grabbed the goal that gave us the three points nodding home from a Ben Arfa centre. The goal came after the three minutes of added on time which Tony Pulis picked up on, but it’s worth pointed out to that it’s a minimum of three minutes and maybe, just maybe, his sides time-wasting antics perhaps had something to do with there being some more added on time.
All in all in was a win that could have been better although I had maintained that it was never going to be easy. Pulis and Palace will feel that they should have had a point but overall I think we just about deserved the win which leaves us in 8th position in the table.
Papiss Cisse seems to have a knack of grabbing these late goals. I’m not sure what it means. On one hand I’d prefer us not to leave it so late, but on the other surely it’s a good thing that we seemingly keep on going in the search for something?
Howay the lads!
Newcastle: Tim Krul; Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, Mike Williamson, Fabricio Coloccini, Paul Dummett; Moussa Sissoko, Vurnon Anita, Cheik Tioté, Yoan Gouffran; Luuk de Jong, Papiss Cisse
Subs: Rob Elliot, Steven Taylor, Massadio Haïdara, Dan Gosling, Sylvain Marveaux, Hatem Ben Arfa, Shola Ameobi
Crystal Palace: Julian Speroni, Adrian Mariappa, Scott Dann, Damien Delaney, Joel Ward, Kagisho Dikgacoi, Mile Jedinak, Yannick Bolasie, Joe Ledley, Jason Puncheon, Cameron Jerome
Subs: Wayne Hennessey, Danny Gabbidon, Stuart O’Keefe, Adlene Guedioura, Barry Bannan, Tom Ince, Glenn Murray
Attendance: 51,588
Georgio – you’d write a player off after 10 games in a league he’s never played in before?. Did you do the same with Colo when he first arrived?. Was Debuchy a waste of money based on his form in his first 10 games?. Cisse would be legendary based on his first 10 games wouldn’t he?.
I personally don’t think you can judge him yet. Granted he hasn’t hit the ground running, but the worse CF we’ve ever had is just ridiculous based on 10 games.
What’s the harm in giving him the time left of his loan deal. Remy isn’t staying so why play him?.
As for playing De Jong ahead of Benny, when have I said that?. When have I said that Dummett of Haidara were superior to Santon?
And it’s Sharpy with an h 😆
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy17 I thought Colocini was **** when he first arrived because we got relegated and I shed tears that day. I was angry with Barton for getting red carded against Liverpool who could have saved us. Duff, Martins, Owen you name it. Cisse needs to score on a more regular basis to always be considered first choice.
stem(Quote)
😯 http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/arsenal/news/marriner-to-referee-this-weekend_146066.html
Oh dear 🙄
KIMTOON(Quote)
They all took the money and should have done much better. Ashley was paying there wages and received death threats because Keegan resigned over Dennis Wise loaned a player he seen on youtube. That year was a complete and utter disaster.
stem(Quote)
Kim – I don’t have a problem with that ref.
He made a mistake and put his hands up to it.
Not the end of the world really.
I just wish refs were more consistent to both teams when it comes to dishing out the cards etc.
Some of the bias is just blatant, yet they get away with it.
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
BB, It was more tongue in cheek that post tbh , what with the luck we seem to get with refs like 😉
KIMTOON(Quote)
I know 😉
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
Toonsy good read 😉 must say I dont think Speroni will have too many days like that, I am still well pleased for Cisse he showed lots of guts to keep going, and I still have faith in him to find his shooting boots again.
I also thought Benny was a handfull and helped chang the game
Big Dave(Quote)
My oh my you’ve been busy on here today Kimtoon lass. A lot of useful info. I would say it’s very difficult to give a valuation of some of our players given their lack of playing time. Obertan, Gosling and even Marveaux come to mind. What would our owner be worth on the open market? I reckon we could get a bit of used, sweaty, second hand kit for him! 😆
GeordieTwo(Quote)
I’m still concerned about Ashley overspending in the summer and putting us at financial risk Now, I’m talking about big money here, so this post is not for the faint of heart. I’m going to go out on a limb and predict Ashley will spend at least 500 pounds this summer! This is no joke mates. We’re looking at a massive re-structuring of the tea lady’s room. Joe is just too cramped in there! And a new tea pot! Stay on the blog for more big news!
GeordieTwo(Quote)