Roy Hodgson’s Palace need Ruben Loftus-Cheek as the missing link and Christian Benteke to regain confidence if they hope to stay in the Premier League
SunSport's Analyst Danny Higginbotham says the Eagles must get back to basics as he casts his eye over the Prem action
ROY HODGSON’S Crystal Palace reign got off to a bad start but Ruben Loftus-Cheek proved how important he will be for them.
He played as the link-man against Southampton, playing up with Christian Benteke — who needs to get his confidence back — and getting beyond the Belgian.
Palace are going to have to go back to basics but were denied by two very good saves by Fraser Forster.
The fixture list is tough, with Manchester City, United and Chelsea in their next three Premier League games.
But Loftus-Cheek, with his strength, pace and ability to take the ball to the opposition, will be massive for them.
DE BRUYNE’S TRUST
Kevin de Bruyne has dropped slightly deeper for Manchester City this season, a few yards further back — and he is getting better each week.
He was absolutely magnificent again at Watford and the slight change in position has helped him.
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City have so much pace going forward that defenders have to drop and that is allowing De Bruyne more time and space on the ball.
He is getting close to the “world-class” tag, creating so many chances and goals. For me he’s been City’s best player this season so far. He is just brilliant.
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WENGER’S WARRIORS
Arsenal have always had fantastic players but I often worried about the way they were set up in big games.
I felt they were vulnerable and too open.
Normally they look to dominate possession, but at Stamford Bridge they were willing to allow Chelsea to have a lot more of the ball, stay compact but still have a real threat.
When they needed to defend with a back five, they did that.
Aaron Ramsey and Granit Xhaka were outstanding doing the defensive side of things.
They didn’t win but it was a good performance which reminded me of their 2015 win at City.
And because they don’t win tough away games very often you remember them.
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JOS WE CAN
It is not a fluke that getting Joselu in the starting line-up has coincided with Newcastle winning three games on the trot.
The Spaniard has quickly become their focal point, the targetman who will hold the ball and that allows the team to play up to him.
That lets the defenders drop a bit deeper, while they have players like Matt Ritchie who are able to provide support.
Joselu has been a key part of Toon’s upturn and has looked a fantastic signing so far.
BURNING IT UP
Last season Burnley had a tough time away from home.
This term they are still unbeaten away from Turf Moor, after three great results at Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool.
You can see Sean Dyche’s work on the training ground is paying off.
Last season the front man was isolated, they tried to play their way out from the back and were losing the ball.
But now they are happy to go longer, with Chris Wood, Robbie Brady and Scott Arfield working together for the opening goal v Liverpool and providing each other with support.
That has been a huge positive for them so far.
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