'Ominous start but not surprising for a squad down to bare bones'

4 days ago 2

For Crystal Palace, it has undoubtedly been an ominous start to 2026, at least in terms of results. Both opening games this year had a similar theme, as the team's performance dropped in the final half hour.

That is not particularly surprising for a squad down to the bare bones, which was only exacerbated by Jefferson Lerma's concussion on Sunday.

The league table does not look good, given the team has dropped nine places in the six matches played over the past month, gaining only four points.

Yet, in the broader scheme of things, this is Palace's joint-second best points return after 20 matches in this era of Premier League football. Second only to Alan Pardew's sprint-start in 2015-16, which collapsed soon after.

Once we factor in the added strain of European and domestic cup matches in December, maybe we need to put a positive slant on it.

So how are we to feel about it?

Despite what cold logic may tell us in a vacuum, the outside noise and pressure are likely to build. The remainder of January's league games are challenging for a team looking to bounce back swiftly. The injury list and Ismaila Sarr's Afcon absence remain a burden, and the fresh links of Oliver Glasner to Manchester United are likely to unsettle many fans if they progress or persist – even if he sees out his contract.

Despite all of this, the club must prioritise recruitment to address squad depth issues, regardless of which manager is going to be in the dugout next season.

After all, the team will still need to find their next generation of talented players. Brennan Johnson, as a record signing, is an ambitious and proactive start and one that will hopefully aid the ailing goal tally and threat.

Palace will never be able to call on the wealth of substitutes, in all senses, that Newcastle did on Sunday. But this season is only halfway through and the squad needs help to have a fighting chance.

Find more from Alex Pewter at FYP podcast

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