Crystal Palace secured a top half finish in the Premier League on Sunday, defying all expectations and odds set upon the club both at the beginning of the campaign in August but also at Christmas when the Eagles were slumped in the bottom three of the table.
It has been yet another memorable campaign for supporters of the club with a disastrous first half of the season, very similar to last season, and a spectacular ending which saw Pardew’s side secure some memorable results, just as Pulis did in the last campaign. Two key differences though comparing the two campaigns is an additional three points on last season and also that one spot higher in the table.
Here is a look at how the media reacted to the Eagles’ season in some very view but extensive words and phrases:
Paul Merson’s View & Palace Player of the Season (Sky Sports)
“Palace have been a really dangerous team away from home this season and we saw that again at Anfield on Sunday. They’re a really good team who can counter-attack you and they’ve been really good this season, particularly under Alan Pardew.”
“I’d have to say Scott Dann is their player of the season. When I had him at Walsall he went out on loan and got sent back after two weeks – I didn’t think he’d make it, I have to be honest – but, fair play to him, he has made it at the top level and I think he’s been outstanding every week for Palace.”
Premier League Season in a Sentence (ESPN)
“Close to being the best era in the Palace’s history with cult hero Alan Pardew in charge.”
End of Season Review – Phil McNulty (BBC Sport)
Crystal Palace 10th (Prediction 12th)
Manager: Neil Warnock 3 / Alan Pardew 8 Players: 7 Season: 7
A season separated by the struggles until Neil Warnock’s sacking in December and the successes and optimism engendered by the appointment of Alan Pardew.
Palace looked doomed until Pardew returned to Selhurst Park, but were rejuvenated almost instantly and ended in perfect safety, powered by the attacking talent of players such as Yannick Bolasie and Jason Puncheon.
Crystal Palace exceed expectations to record top-half finish under Pardew (Daily Mail)
High Point – Bringing in Alan Pardew
Low Point – Bringing in Neil Warnock
Star of the season – Yannick Bolasie
Flop of the season – Yaya Sanogo
Manager rating – Alan Pardew 8/10
Signing of the season – Wilfried Zaha, £6million, Manchester United
Emerging youngster for next season – Sullay Kaikai
Hopes for next season? – Top-half finish.
Sum up season in 3 words… – The Pardew Effect.
