Supporters of Crystal Palace were not happy with Joel Ward’s showing against Stoke City.
The 1-0 defeat to Stoke City was Crystal Palace ‘s 16th loss in 25 Premier League games this season – leaving them perilously positioned as the joint lowest side in the division.
Following last weekend’s capitulation against joint bottom Sunderland, Palace were hoping for a positive outcome against the Potters this time out. However, a second half strike from Joe Allen gave Stoke all three points – taking Mark Hughes’ side into the top half of the table in the process.
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In a game largely controlled by the home side, it was Palace’s poor defending and lack of cutting edge in the final third that led to a fully-deserved victory for Stoke – despite the narrow scoreline.
Indeed, the game’s best chances fell to Hughes’ players – as the likes of Marco Arnautovic, Ramadan Sobri and Allen all created opportunities aplenty against a largely ineffective Palace set-up.
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Unfortunately for Allardyce, following the disappointing season thus far – and on the back of last weekend’s 4-0 loss to Sunderland – supporters of the Eagles were already primed to express their clearly emotive take on the current chaos encompassing the Selhurst Park outfit.
Upon reflection of their latest derailing, Palace supporters took to social media outlet Twitter to offer their angst at their club’s seeming inability to defend – with full back Joel Ward singled out for particular condemnation.
Ward, who has played more than 150 Premier League games for Palace, has been one of the more impressive performers of recent seasons but has struggled of late.
Reaction to Ward’s display against Stoke ranged from disbelief at the 27-year-old’s loss of form compared to previous campaigns, to a strong notion that the defender is just not up to Premier League standards.
Here’s a taste of Crystal Palace’s fans’ response to Ward’s performance in the 1-0 defeat to Stoke.
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