The eagles have deteriorated defensively this season since they’re joint second highest for goals conceded (43) and have managed just 4 clean sheets. At this stage last season, Palace conceded 29 goals, the same amount as both Manchester City and Manchester United, and kept 6 clean sheets.
There is no doubt that Roy Hodgson has been a terrific servant to the club, guiding them to an 11th place finish in his first season after replacing Frank De Boer. De Boer was sacked just after 10 weeks from being appointed, which is testament to the ruthless nature of managing in the Premier League. It’s a results driven business, and its why Hodgson has been the Crystal Palace manager for over three and a half years, as Palace have finished 11th, 12th and 14th in Hodgson’s respective seasons in charge.
Having said that, there are rumours that this season will be Hodgson’s last season at Crystal Palace and possibly in management, with the former England manager turning 74 this summer. Palace currently sit 13th in the premier league and are 10 points clear above the relegation zone, but there has been no real signs of improvement this season.
So the question is: what long term vision does Steve Parish, the Crystal Palace Chairman have, given the average age of the Palace squad is 28.7, a the highest in the premier league.
It was the definition of a smash and grab as Palace managed just 3 attempts, 2 penalty area touches compared to Brighton's 25 attempts and 51 penalty area touches, who dominated the game.
Palace did bring in 22 year old winger Eberechi Eze from QPR this summer for £16m, who has impressed this season, implying that Palace are trying to address this issue. John Terry, Frank Lampard and Eddie Howe are the favourites for the Crystal Palace job if Hodgson does get sacked. The question is, will Steve Parish go one step further in hiring a new manager to inject youth into the squad?
