PUNCHEON DELIVERS THE KNOCK-OUT BLOW TO GIVE PARDEW PERFECT START

WITH his black notebook in hand, Alan Pardew started the task of reshaping Crystal Palace yesterday. This has been his first full week since replacing Neil Warnock. SAMI MOKBEL analyses the first signs of change . . .

Possession

FOLLOWING the FA Cup win over Dover last week, Pardew promised his team will take risks with the ball. He was true to his word yesterday as Palace endeavoured to keep the ball on the deck, looking to play their way out of defence rather than clearing their lines as was often the case under Warnock. One passage of play in the 14th minute showed clear signs of Pardew’s influence. The long-ball remains an option, but the instructions to keep the ball were apparent against Tottenham.

Barry Bannan

THE diminutive Scot was a peripheral figure under Warnock and Tony Pulis. But the playmaker has started both of Pardew’s games in charge and looks like he’s being reintegrated into the club’s first-team plans. That, of course, could change when Mile Jedinak returns from international duty, but for now the former Aston Villa man is back in the game. His passing was a feature of Palace’s play yesterday.

Versatility in attack

WARNOCK’S method was based on getting the ball wide to wingers Yannick Bolasie, Jason Puncheon or Wilfried Zaha, relying on their pace to get behind opposition. There remained an element of that under Pardew yesterday but without Bolasie, who is on Africa Cup of Nations duty, Palace explored alternative avenues of attack. There was crisper passing in front of the Tottenham back four, creating Glenn Murray’s excellent chance in the 35th minute. It doesn’t look as if Palace will be one trick pony’s under Pardew.