CRYSTAL Palace put a turbulent 48 hours behind them to turn in a spirited, but ultimately losing, display at Arsenal on Saturday.
Here's five things we learned from the 2-1 defeat at The Emirates...
1. Julian Speroni is still the number 1 keeper at Palace
The Argentine club legend got the nod to start ahead of Wayne Hennessey and justified his selection with a typically solid, unfussy display between the sticks. Left badly exposed by his defence for both goals but otherwise, it was the same old Jules. Should keep his place without any further debate now, no matter who the new manager is.
2. Marouane Chamakh is no longer a joke figure
Not that he was joke among Palace fans, who saw first-hand the outstanding contribution he made to last season's survival effort. But now, even the hyper-critical pundits have stopped bringing up that goal at Stoke, instead praising his contribution to the Eagles cause in the link role between midfield and attack. At the Emirates Stadium where he so often flattered to deceive in an Arsenal shirt, Chamakh played like a cross between David Batty and Teddy Sheringham, combining a delicate touch with tough tackling and a tireless work ethic. Palace's best player on the day.
3. Palace have signed three good players
Tony Pulis might have wanted more, but the three players he did manage to bring in all look to be excellent additions to the squad. Martin Kelly looked solid at the back and energetic going forward, Fraizer Campbell played the lone striker role with a perfect blend of workrate and clever movement, and Brede Hangeland bagged a debut goal. The only blemish was the big Norwiegan's error in losing his man for the Gunners' equaliser before half-time.
4. Palace need to keep the ball better
A negative. Yes, Arsenal are a fine team who should monopolise the ball at home. But 76 per cent possession is arguably too much, while Palace unarguably gave the ball away too often. Mile Jedinak, for all his battling qualities and excellent defensive positioning, needs to take more care with his distribution, while Bolasie and Puncheon ran down too many blind alleys.
5. The new away kit is lovely
Much better than the black stripey one from last season, isn't it?
