No pace anywhere in the team. No creativity in central midfield

[Martinmalta]

The performance today was below standard. A lot of our players lacked the determination and imagination of a solid team. Our most vulnerable is the midfield. Its where most of the pressure on the defence comes from and going forward, the lack of goal opportunities that today were very rare. I agree that we need another striker to partner Austin, that's a must. However, we also needs a combative midfielder with some skills; a pacey winger and a stand-in for Yun. Traore must never play at that position again. Hill always gives his best, however, he himself admitted that he cannot cope with the pace of Premier wingers.
As for other players, Hoilett is not that bad, however needs to improve his final ball. Zamora is too slow and is always stopping attacks due to unnecessary fouling. Barton and Henry, although combative, are not inspiring enough and they continuously loose possession or give the ball away cheaply. We needs Yun and Sandro a.s.a.p and the additionals mentioned already.

[MYU]

http://www1.skysports.com/transfer/n...ransfer-window

From that I take it we're getting Sinclair.

[Rangers77]

Finally Harry says that we lack pace

http://www1.skysports.com/transfer/n...ransfer-window

The most honest interview Harry has given in his time as Rs manager. We so lack pace it is unbelievable. It's why we can't track back or really seriously harry. And why we can't win away. Charlie and Bobby conserve their energy for when we have the ball; Joey too. We cover space, sure, but we don't get in the opposition's face. Ever. Palace were all over us like a cheap suit whenever we had the ball. When Holliet got the ball on the halfway line they had three men in him in a thrice. The work rate of the two Palace CMs was far sharper than ours. Joey and Kelvin aren't lazy; they care; they put in a shift (particularly Kelvin, who covers defenders going forward); but they seemingly don't have the legs. Not Fer either. His skill gives him an edge. I'd really like to see him in central midfield, next to Joey or Kelvin; probably Kelvin. But we need a new CM who can carry the ball and pass. Getting one's easier said than done.

[acricketer]

Complain all we like. It's the truth. Hope for pace in the window.

[Shepherds Mush]

Lucky today to get a point TBH. Thought the Palace midfield pairing of Jedinak and Ledley were outstanding. Creative and hard working. They played Barton and Kelvin off the pitch. We created nothing in open play. And, having no pace anywhere in the team, including Holliet who got the ball too deep with three players on him, we can't break to save our lives. Thought Palace, lacking anything up front, looked a more balanced, better side. That's worrying.

I would put it down to Palace's 110% effort and covering every player we had on the ball with 3 defenders every time...fantastic work rate. Often looked like they had more than 11 men defending.

[BuffooneRy]

The team did not have the same determination as in our previous home games. The US tv stations made the excuse that the team was preoccupied with the disappearance of the Air Asia plane (which was all they talked about on tv).

Blimey if they tried to use that as an excuse for our dire display yesterday then they are either on crack or just being kind...

Where to start, Barton and Fer were both dreadful as was Vargas when he came on, Hill was solid but could easily have been sent off in the first half. Hoilett is not good enough for the PL nor is Phillips and I think that all we can hope for is that 3 other teams are worse than us but am not holding my breath....

[Jeems]

Finally Harry says that we lack pace

http://www1.skysports.com/transfer/n...ransfer-window

We lack players with brains. I'd say Hoilet, Phillips and Traore are all fairly quick but their end product is so poor. If only Niko had some pace.

[Nick]

We lack players with brains. I'd say Hoilet, Phillips and Traore are all fairly quick but their end product is so poor. If only Niko had some pace.

Yep when you put it like that pace isnt the problem its the end product that we lack.... the 3 players you mentioned are up there with the quickest in the team, certainly Phillps, but are the worst in the team. All very well running at players but if theres no end product its just a waist of time. IMO we need creativity, or simply players that can pass the ball to their own player.... something Phillps, Traore and Hoilett can not do!!.... I think if we can get a couple of decent wingers who can do their job then we can have players like Fer, Mutch, Henry Barton to concentrate on the middle.

[Kevin Mcleod]

I would put it down to Palace's 110% effort and covering every player we had on the ball with 3 defenders every time...fantastic work rate. Often looked like they had more than 11 men defending.

Very true, and we didnt concede a goal or lose.

[Rangers77]

I would put it down to Palace's 110% effort and covering every player we had on the ball with 3 defenders every time...fantastic work rate. Often looked like they had more than 11 men defending.

Yep. Would like us to play like that. We don't.

[Olly]

Isla was solid enough at the back, but offered nothing offensively either. When he beat his man first half the final ball was lacking. But central midfield isn't able to get the ball out wide quickly or tellingly. Palace won every lose ball in midfield. Charlie was poor today, too. But as we know he could have scored had we created the chance for him.

Isla has a better understanding with Vargas.

[Kevin Mcleod]

Yep. Would like us to play like that. We don't.

So would i, the team might not get booed off the pitch for losing nil nil at home then.