Crystal Palace 1-2 Bournemouth - 6 Things We Learned

2. Punch Drunk

Jason Puncheon has appeared in every game this season. Despite this, he hasn't managed a goal and has managed only three assists. The last of which came against Everton in early December. While goal stats and assist stats don't always tell the full picture, his performances hardly be claimed to be anything other than average. The team are struggling to score and he is meant to be one of the clubs creative outlets. It is not a coincidence that the team's form has dipped at the same time as his has and his injury could be a blessing in disguise. If he has to miss the next game, Pardew will be forced to look at different ways of playing. If we win, he might realise that trying different options is completely fine. Lee Chung-yong was one of Palace best players last night and was sacrificed for Marouane Chamakh while Puncheon, who was struggling, stayed on the pitch. The Palace fans have noticed what is happening and Chung's substitution was met with jeers from the home support. If Pardew continues to pick his favourites when the results are calling out for something different, he risks losing the fans who, up until now, have been right behind him.