Tonight, Crystal Palace welcomed League Two side Blackpool to Selhurst Park for their second round clash in the EFL Cup.
The Eagles have lost their opening two Premier League games to West Brom and Tottenham respectively and hope a cup run could offer them some rest-bite.
Alan Pardew handed out three full debuts tonight, with former Marseille goalkeeper Steve Mandanda making his first start for the club since joining on a free transfer last month.
A £10m arrival from West Ham, James Tomkins was also handed his first start for the club having made his debut last week off the bench against Tottenham.
And finally, £32m club-record signing Christian Benteke made his maiden appearance following his arrival from Liverpool.
Looking to make a smooth transition into the side, a goal for Benteke would do wonders for his confidence. However, it was Scott Dann who gave the Eagles a first-half lead.
Benteke was replaced by Wickham at half-time, I’m sure with an eye on the weekend’s visit of Bournemouth, and Wickham doubled Palace’s lead just minutes after the re-start.
Here are our player ratings from tonight’s win over Blackpool.
GK: Mandanda - 7
Commanded the area very well. Solid when called upon.
RB: Kelly -6
Was a decent performance from Kelly but nothing more to comment on.
CB: Dann - 7
Scored the opening goal, has been commanding in defence all night. Hope he stays put.
CB: Tomkins - 7
Was great on the ball and won nearly every challenge on the night. Pushing for a regular place.
LB: Souare - 6
Wasn’t troubled an awful amount down the left.
CM: Cabaye - 6
Brought off early in the second half, looks short of fitness. Will be back to his best with more minutes under his belt.
CM: McArthur - 6
His first game back in a while as well. Looked off the pace but like Cabaye, fitness will come with time.
RW: Puncheon - 7
Great assist for Wickham’s goal, looks more at home in the attacking third than in the deeper position he’s played lately.
CAM: Mutch - 7
Looked very strong in attacking midfielder tonight after being handed a rare start. Looked much more impressive than Chung-Yong Lee has.
LW: Townsend - 6
Flashed a few times but wasn’t at his best tonight
ST: Benteke - 7
Some impressive touches and moves from Benteke, just a goal lacking from his performance.
SUB: Wickham - 7
Scored just minutes after replacing Benteke at half-time. Playing for his place in the side and did all he could.
SUB: Lee - 6
Inaffective off the bench tonight but the game was already won.
SUB: Zaha - 6
Constantly caused problems of the Blackpool defence.