IN HER latest column, ZOE MESSENBIRD reserves special praise for Crystal Palace's rock-solid defence...
MATHEMATICALLY safe – two words I never thought would be used to describe Crystal Palace this season.
But Tony Pulis has worked an absolute miracle and guaranteed us another season in the Premier League.
To win five games in a row in this league is a massive achievement for any club, but for a side like ours, who have been one of the favourites to go down all season, it is truly remarkable.
Quite rightly, Pulis is now backed as one of the favourites to win the manager of the year title this season. Brendan Rodgers has undoubtedly done a fantastic job at Liverpool, but look at the players he has. Pulis has worked a miracle with a squad who, when he joined in November, had just seven points.
Our defence is quickly becoming a formidable force. When we were 3-2 up at Goodison Park, although I was nervous, I never thought we would throw it away. Speroni was sensational, and the back four completely solid.
We now believe in ourselves, and go to games with the passion and desire to win. Our season has been truly remarkable and I never thought it would end with us pushing for a top-ten finish.
Although Sunday's match against Manchester City ended in a 2-0 defeat, sometimes you have to accept a loss to a better side. It was a pleasure to see the likes of Yaya Toure grace the pitch at Selhurst, and I think they were one of the best sides we have played this season.; losing 2-0 is nothing to be ashamed of.
