In the competitive world of English football, Crystal Palace has been on a rollercoaster ride this season, with their performances often leaving fans and pundits scratching their heads. One aspect that stands out is their consistent draw record, which has significantly impacted their league position pursuit.
The club has managed to secure four draws in their last five matches, including victories over top teams like Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal. This run has left them at 12th place in the Premier League table, two points behind leaders Manchester City and three points behind Chelsea. While this might seem like a decent finish for many clubs, it poses challenges for Crystal Palace as they look to climb back into the top eight.
The draw-heavy nature of Crystal Palace's recent form can be attributed to several factors:
1. **Team Composition**: The squad is still adjusting to the new manager, Thomas Frank, who took charge after the departure of Mauricio Pochettino. The team's depth and flexibility have yet to fully gel, leading to inconsistent performance.
2. **Player Performance**: Some key players, such as Harry Kane and Son Heung-min, have struggled to match their previous form. This has resulted in fewer chances and goals for the team, contributing to the draw record.
3. **Defensive Issues**: The defense has also been hit hard, allowing multiple goals against them. This has led to increased pressure on the attacking side, which has further impacted their ability to score.
4. **Managerial Instability**: The uncertainty surrounding the future of the management team could be affecting player morale and performance. With Frank's contract expiring at the end of the season, there are concerns about his successor and how it will impact the team's direction.
Despite these challenges, Crystal Palace remains optimistic about their chances of improving their league position. They know that winning away from home will be crucial, as they face some tough opponents in the upcoming fixtures. Additionally, the club is working on strengthening their squad through transfers and internal development programs to address some of the issues highlighted by their current performance.
As the season progresses, Crystal Palace will need to find ways to balance defensive solidity with offensive firepower. Only then can they hope to break free from their draw-heavy rut and make a serious bid for a top-eight finish in the Premier League.