1 hour ago
Sometimes it can be helpful to be the firefighter hero.
Roy Hodgson’s record as a substitute for Patrick Vieira in the last ten games of last season was outstanding.
He won half of them, with his side averaging a full goal more per game than they had managed under their French boss.
The Eagles, too, passed the eye test as their talented young playmakers were given the freedom to inspire and bring out the best in them.
However, this is scratching beneath the surface and it is by no means certain that such success will automatically lead to a full season.
For example, the ten games played immediately before Vieira’s job loss were almost exclusively against sides in the top half of the table, including leaders Arsenal and Manchester City.
They were always unlikely to get many wins from those games.
Conversely, the last ten games have all been against teams in and around the relegation zone – with the exception of Spurs, who experienced their own implosion when Palace played them.
Of course it’s very difficult to play against clubs that are struggling to survive but there was a reason the likes of Leeds, Leicester and Southampton were at the bottom and Palace capitalized on that advantage.
It’s unusual for a game plan to have such quirks.
Palace’s core numbers were clearly impressive under Hodgson and his character, dignity and tactical acumen undoubtedly made a big difference.
But with a ten-month season ahead of him and important decisions to be made about recruitment, player sales and the future of the club, there is a lot of pressure on his shoulders.
When the emergency is resolved, firefighters usually move on to the next call.
The challenge for this hero – who has chosen to stay here – is whether he can rebuild the palace.
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