Crystal Palace and Newcastle United played out their third goalless draw of the season at Selhurst Park on Saturday evening.
Jean-Philippe Mateta’s 72nd-minute shot was the only effort Palace registered on target.
Patrick Vieira’s side have not scored a goal from open play in the Premier League in more than 630 minutes.
Here are Edmund Brack’s player ratings from SE25:
VICENTE GUAITA – 7
Excellent positioning to stop Joelinton’s shot from close range in the 35th minute.
Picture : Keith Gillard
The Spanish shotstopper did nothing wrong all game and was always in the right place at the right time to stop Newcastle from taking the lead.
Bounced back exceptionally well since the mistake against Southampton in the FA Cup.
JOEL WARD – 7
Many believed before kick-off at Nathaniel Clyne did nothing wrong to be dropped before kick-off, but Joel Ward produced an assured performance on his return to the Crystal Palace starting line-up.
After a shaky start to the game – being bypassed twice in quick succession in the first half – Ward settled into the Premier League occasion.
The 33-year-old won 100 per cent of his three tackles, won two aerial battles and did not commit a single foul.
CHRIS RICHARDS – 8
After a sensational performance against Manchester United in midweek, Chris Richards produced another flawless display against a team vying for the Champions League spots.
Picture : Keith Gillard
The American centre-back made eight clearances – a match-high – won 100 per cent of his tackles, and made three blocks.
It is a serious question now about where Chris Richards will start in this side once Joachim Andersen returns from injury, with the former Bayern Munich defender too good at this level not to play.
MARC GUEHI – 7
A very mature display from Marc Guehi, considering the England centre-back had to play 86 minutes plus stoppage time on a yellow card.
The 22-year-old was not dribbled past once, completed four tackles and made four clearances.
Looks extremely comfortable alongside Chris Richards.
TYRICK MITCHELL – 7
The left-back has been extremely consistent since he returned from suspension following his red card against Fulham.
Coming up against one of the Premier League’s most in-form wingers in the shape of Miguel Almiron, Mitchell nullified the Newcastle forward and helped Palace secure the shutout.
Mitchell completed four tackles, made five clearances and did not lose possession once, despite having the most touches and passes of any Palace player.
Picture : Keith Gillard
CHEICK DOUCOURE – 6
The Mali midfielder won five tackles – the most of any Palace player – and also completed three blocks.
One day, he will take aim from distance, and the ball will fly into the roof of the net.
The 23-year-old did lose possession three times.
JEFFREY SCHLUPP – 6
Schlupp won two interceptions and only lost possession once.
Helped protect the back four and ensure the Eagles secured their clean sheet.
Only completed one tackle.
EBERECHI EZE – 6
Had a solid first half – completed four tackles, won five ground duels and made a key pass.
Faded out of the game in the second half and was replaced by Michael Olise in the 65th minute. Only completed one of his five dribbles.
Failed to register a single shot.
Picture : Keith Gillard
JORDAN AYEW – 6
Ayew lost possession five times – the most of any Palace player.
Could not influence the game from a wide position. Is much better suited to the side playing him down the middle.
WILFRIED ZAHA – 6
On his 450th Crystal Palace appearance, the Ivorian produced an excellent recovery tackle in the 34th minute to stop Miguel Almiron from having a shot at goal from a corner.
Completed 100 per cent of his nine passes but was suffocated of any real chances.
Picture : Keith Gillard
The Eagles will be hoping a possible Wilfried Zaha farewell tour does not have a couple of venues cancelled due to a hamstring injury.
ODSONNE EDOUARD – 5
The Frenchman was starved of any service but was unable to truly have an impact on the game.
Palace are struggling to find the back of the net from open play, with forwards not taking their chances or unable to create real decisive openings.
Edouard lost possession three times and was unable to register a shot on target.
Edouard’s rating was purely based on Palace’s inability to look menacing going forward.
SUBS
—————-
MICHAEL OLISE – 7
Should have started the match. He is Palace’s biggest threat at the moment and has the ability to cause havoc – a factor of Palace’s game which was notably absent yesterday.
Won 100 per cent of his three tackles.
JEAN-PHILIPPE MATETA – 6
Came closest in the 72nd minute with a shot that was only kept out by a stunning save from Nick Pope.
Picture : Keith Gillard
Won the same number of aerial battles – four – as Odsonne Edouard, who started the game.
WILL HUGHES – 6
Made one tackle and one interception. Arguably should have started the game after his performance against United in midweek.
NATHANIEL CLYNE – 6
An important tactical tweak from Vieira to bring Clyne for Ward on to deal with Allan Saint-Maximin.
DAVID OZOH – NA
Picture : Keith Gillard
Only a handful of minutes on the pitch, but he did not shy away from the occasion, looking for the ball and already showing he is a physical match for those in the top flight.
PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD
Discussion about this post