Christian Benteke is wrong to blame his teammates for Crystal Palace’s 1-0 loss to Sheffield United, but the striker also shouldn’t be seen as the reason behind the defeat.
The Eagles were beaten at Bramall Lane on Sunday afternoon, producing a tepid performance on their first away day of the season.
Speaking after the game, Benteke appeared to blame a lack service for Palace’s struggles, as his goal drought continues:
I think that is our problem (creating chances in front of goal).
We don’t create enough chances. I think it is about the animation, we have to be more available for each other and we have to work on it.
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Benteke’s words are likely to be construed as him criticising his own teammates, but that is not solely the case.
While there does appear to be a dig at his colleagues for not providing him with enough goalscoring opportunities, the Belgian does stress that the team as a whole must work on that aspect of their play, him included.
Benteke’s performance at Bramall Lane was not close to good enough, however, regardless of a lack of service.
He blunted the Eagles’ attacks and generally lacked a spark throughout, on a disappointing afternoon for Roy Hodgson’s men.
Just three goals last season and none in the opening two matches of 2019/20 suggest a spell out of the side is needed for Benteke.
