Andros Townsend has defended Christian Benteke, claiming he contributes more to the Crystal Palace team than his poor goal-scoring record would suggest.
The Belgian missed a pair of good chances in Sunday’s 2-1 defeat away to Watford, leaving the target-man open to criticism from Palace fans. With just three goals since the beginning of last season, Eagles supporters must be wondering how much longer manager Roy Hodgson will give Benteke in the starting lineup.
However, it may be longer than many realise. According to London News Online, Townsend said of his teammate:
The media focus on his goal record but he has offered a lot and played very well again. With strikers people tend to forget about the performance if they don’t score but Christian was good on Sunday and I’m sure he’ll be good again on Saturday.
[The Watford game] was a frustrating day for everyone, not just Christian. He played very well again. He had a chance but the keeper made a great save. He worked hard, he won a lot of headers, running the channel and causing all sorts of problems.
Palace have failed to add to the three points they gained on the opening day of the season, achieved in a 2-0 win away at Fulham. Subsequent defeats to Liverpool and Watford will be fresh in the minds of the players, who will be eager to finish further away from the relegation zone this season.
To do so, goals will be necessary – but is Christian Benteke the man to provide them?
