Crystal Palace earned a 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest on the weekend, playing in the league without their creative spark for the first time. There is time to introduce more talent through the transfer window, but internal answers also help, especially one man who scored again on the weekend after "getting in the right positions."
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‘We don’t concede many’
Palace pushed themselves after the first leg of a Conference League playoff against Fredrikstad. The Englishman explained how he thought his teammates did in their draw at home against Forest.
“I thought the first half of it we were playing pretty well, playing out well, creating a few chances. But then, I think in the second half we dropped off, we didn't play as much, they had more of the ball.”
Wharton would see the stalemate as a credit to their character, but a display with some room to grow.
“There were a few tired legs, obviously third game in a week. But yeah, we know where we could have played, we did it in the first half, so yeah, it's a disappointment from our side. I think we showed the work rate, staying in the game, and we had a couple of chances – but we’ve plenty to look at.”
The Eagles have lost only four times in the new year, going undefeated since a 5-2 loss to Man City in April. The midfielder has attributed their 12-match unbeaten streak to their tactical foundations.
“Our shape out of possession, being compact, not giving away a lot of chances, trying to limit their shots on target, blocks, defending the box. I think our defensive shape is very good. You've seen we don't concede too many. We need to keep working hard and try to create as many chances as we can.”
The squad shall have to move forward without Eberechi Eze. The talismanic ten has now gone back to Arsenal, and even with Jean-Philippe Mateta in the mix, others have to take more responsibility.
A prime candidate is Ismaila Sarr. The forward got eight goals and six assists in the Premier League last term, and once he nailed down the third spot in the attack ahead of Eddie Nketiah, the team's form improved. Wharton is confident that the club can continue to evolve without the 27-year-old.
“It always helps when you've got a player who’s in form. He's getting in the right positions, scoring goals, creating goals, and his work rate is unbelievable on the ball and off the ball. It’s great to play with him and he's getting in good positions, and if he can keep scoring, we'll be delighted.”
