I'll explain the headline first of all. I have a running joke with our otherwise excellent sports team that headlines built around the image of Eagles "soaring" or having their "wings clipped" and "swooping for a star striker" should be banned. And don't even get me started on 'Murray's Mint'...
Anyway, the reason for this introduction is that I went along to Selhurst Park last night to see Palace give Hull City what, without exaggeration, I can say was a footballing lesson.
Many of you may know I'm a Spurs fan but, coming from a family of Palace supporters, I've always had a soft sport for the Eagles and probably go to see them 3-4 times a season. I cannot remember them playing as well as they did last night.
The atmosphere was cracking too. Selhurst Park might be falling apart but it has a rawness and edge to it that you don't get from the flatpack, identikit stadia that now dominate our football landscape. It's an old school football ground and (lack of terracing apart) an old school footballing experience, but give me that over St Mary's or the King Power Stadium anyday.
In terms of the game, Zaha showed exactly why Sir Alex shelled out £15 million (added bonus that he doesn't kick people in the chest in big games too) Kevin Phillips scored a fine hat-trick and Jedinak impressed in midfield, but a special word for string-puller in chief Jonny Williams who looks, as a certain H Redknapp esq might say, a proper player - the conductor and of Palace's tuneful orchestra.
The only downside was they switched off from two crosses, helping give the scoreline a more flattering feel for Hull.
But how fantastic to see Palace not only doing well, but also playing proper football with some quality, homegrown talent.
Long may it continue.
Anyway, the reason for this introduction is that I went along to Selhurst Park last night to see Palace give Hull City what, without exaggeration, I can say was a footballing lesson.
Many of you may know I'm a Spurs fan but, coming from a family of Palace supporters, I've always had a soft sport for the Eagles and probably go to see them 3-4 times a season. I cannot remember them playing as well as they did last night.
The atmosphere was cracking too. Selhurst Park might be falling apart but it has a rawness and edge to it that you don't get from the flatpack, identikit stadia that now dominate our football landscape. It's an old school football ground and (lack of terracing apart) an old school footballing experience, but give me that over St Mary's or the King Power Stadium anyday.
In terms of the game, Zaha showed exactly why Sir Alex shelled out £15 million (added bonus that he doesn't kick people in the chest in big games too) Kevin Phillips scored a fine hat-trick and Jedinak impressed in midfield, but a special word for string-puller in chief Jonny Williams who looks, as a certain H Redknapp esq might say, a proper player - the conductor and of Palace's tuneful orchestra.
The only downside was they switched off from two crosses, helping give the scoreline a more flattering feel for Hull.
But how fantastic to see Palace not only doing well, but also playing proper football with some quality, homegrown talent.
Long may it continue.
