You know what you’re going to get with Palace. And perhaps that’s the problem.
Yohan Cabaye has told The Set Pieces that Crystal Palace need to be able to develop a Plan B in order to achieve a top ten finish in the Premier League.
The Eagles have long been used to a primarily counter-attacking approach since Alan Pardew returned to the club where he spent much of his playing career, utilising the pace and directness of Wilfried Zaha and the now-departed Yannick Bolasie to great effect in his first few months in charge.
However, Palace plummeted down the table after a promising start to the 2015/16 campaign, finding themselves embroiled in a surprise relegation battle despite possessing a multi-talented squad, resulting in the former Newcastle manager trailing a more measured, possession based approach in recent months to mixed results.
And Cabaye, who has started just five league games this season despite ranking as the most expansive distributor at Pardew’s disposal, accepts that an alternative approach is required if Palace are to push on after a disappointing start to the season that leaves them just a point above the drop zone.
“The quality we have, we can target the top ten,” Cabaye insisted during an interview for The Set Pieces. “We have to be able to change the way we play.
“Sometimes in the game you need to keep the ball, to show passes and movement, but sometimes when you’re chasing the game you have to play more directly, to put more pressure on, more second balls and get the crowd going with you.
“You have to mix it up, and work every day to get that mentality and learn how to play.”
The inconsistent form of summer signing Andros Townsend, the replacement for the influential Bolasie, has not helped during a first quarter of the season dogged by erratic results, with even Palace’s Plan A failing to have the desired effect on occasions.
And, if Pardew wants to adopt a more composed build up, he needs quality in central areas. Therefore, Cabaye must surely start if he is to see the benefit of his new approach.
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