Time for Hugging, Not Kicking: Is It Really That Bad for Palace?
The Difference Between Last Season and Now
Last season, Palace’s attacking play was dynamic, securing wins against top teams like Liverpool, Manchester United, and Aston Villa. This season, however, the club's offensive power has drastically weakened. The number of shots on goal, big chances created, and touches in the opposition’s box have all declined. On the defensive end, they are facing more shots and making more errors, which has contributed to their poor form.
Palace’s pressing game has also regressed. Last season under manager Oliver Glasner, they averaged 15.1 pressing sequences per game, but that number has dropped to 10.4 this season. Consequently, high turnovers have been cut in half, from 10.3 per game to just 5.3.
Interestingly, their xG (expected goals) stats show that last season’s remarkable finish may have been unsustainable, with Palace overperforming by nearly eight goals. This season, they have underperformed by over four goals, indicating that their performances might not be as bad as the results suggest.
Manager Glasner’s Take: "Time for Hugging, Not Kicking"
After the defeat to Nottingham Forest, Glasner emphasized that this is a time for support, not harsh criticism. While he expressed disappointment in goalkeeper Dean Henderson’s mistake that led to Chris Wood’s goal, he refrained from placing blame, insisting that the team needs confidence and emotional support.
"It’s tough at the moment," Glasner admitted. "We’ve had better times, but we must stick together and prepare for the next game." He downplayed tactical concerns, instead attributing the team's poor decisions in the final third to a lack of confidence.
Are Palace Relegation-Bound?
Although Crystal Palace has failed to win any of their first eight Premier League games, history suggests that survival is still possible. Bournemouth had a similarly poor start last season but went on to finish 12th. Palace themselves have avoided relegation twice after sluggish starts, in 2014 and 2018.
While the current situation looks dire, the team has shown resilience in the past. Fans will hope that, with time and patience, Glasner can guide Palace out of trouble.
