As a tug-of-war begins over his international career, HITC Sport takes a look at the Crystal Palace winger’s season so far.
Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha celebrates
After an impressive individual season during the 2015/2016 Premier League Campaign, many Palace fans were left scratching their heads as to how Wilfried Zaha, arguably England’s best naturally right-sided winger at the time, did not find his way into Roy Hodgson’s England squad. Fast, skillful and direct, Zaha is the kind of winger that are a rarity amongst England players, and it’s no surprise to see the former Manchester United player fully cement his place in Alan Padrew’s side on his return to Selhurst Park.
Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha in action
Despite reported interest from Premier League rivals, Crystal Palace did well to keep hold of their talented winger, and perhaps with something to prove this season, many Palace fans expected Zaha to once again start well for the Eagles.
Tottenham’s Victor Wanyama in action with Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha
The start to Palace’s season however did not show positive signs. A 0-1 defeat on the opening day to former Palace boss, Tony Pulis’ West Brom, followed by a 1-0 away defeat to London rivals Tottenham Hotspur showed worrying signs of a continuation of some of Crystal Palace’s poor form last season. A 1-1 draw with Bournemouth left Crystal Palace without a win in August.
Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha and team mates look dejected
Palace needed to respond, and after smashing their transfer record to sign Liverpool striker, Christian Benteke, Pardew’s side found themselves coming up against Aitor Karanka’s recently promoted Middlesbrough. After taking the lead early through their new Belgium forward, Middlesbrough equalised before half-time through defender, Daniel Ayala. However, after dominating much of the right hand side throughout the game, Zaha stepped up to find the winner, with Palace picking up their first victory of the season.
Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha in action with Middlesbrough’s George Friend
With things looking finally up, Crystal Palace continued their fine form into their next game, coming up against Mark Hughes’ Stoke City. Despite conceding a late goal in injury time, Crystal Palace dominated the game, winning the game 4-1. Zaha and Townsend, Palace’s two wide men, caused havoc down the flanks for Palace all game.
Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha in action with Stoke City’s Glenn Whelan and Joe Allen
However, Crystal Palace’s season looked to be taking on a ‘two steps forward, one step back’ pattern, as they again fell short away from home, losing 2-0 to Southampton. Poor at the back and disorganised, Palace struggled to create anything throughout the game, and Zaha and Palace’s other attacking players found their creativity stifled.
Southampton’s Oriol Romeu in action with Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha
A hard-fought 2-3 victory against a struggling Sunderland side, followed by a 1-1 draw with Everton, topped off a month of ups and downs for Alan Pardew’s side, as his team continued to both entertain and frustrate in September.
Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha in action with Liverpool’s Adam Lallana
Three tough games were lined up in October, and after such inconsistency, Palace need to prove they could find results. However, the month turned out the be the worst yet for the Eagles, losing 0-1 to West Ham, 3-1 to Leicester City and 2-4 to Liverpool. Pressure was beginning to mount on under-fire boss Alan Pardew, as he continued to struggle to get the best out of his talented group of players.
Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha looks dejected
November needed to be better but, unfortunately, Palace’s slide continued in an even more dramatic fashion. a 3-2 defeat to recently promoted Burnley and a 1-2 defeat to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. Perhaps most dramatic of all however, was the recent 5-4 defeat to Swansea City. Conceding twice after the 90 minute mark, Palace threw away what would have been a vital win, and lumped even more pressure on Alan Pardew. Zaha, arguably the only bright spark in the Palace side, looked frustrated with his team, and who could blame him?
Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha reacts after missing a chance to score
However, December has thankfully not followed the same run of form. Bouncing back tremendously against Southhampton, Palace ran out as 3-0 winners, finally managing to patch up their leaky defence. For Zaha to properly earn the plaudits that his individual performances at times deserve, Palace will need to improve. Their form has been far too inconsistent for Zaha to flourish, and you must wonder, if push comes to shove in January, whether the winger, who has now declared to play for the Ivory Coast, might look for a move. If Palace are going to stay up however, they’ll need to keep hold of him no matter what.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
