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Five key talking points from Crystal Palace

Albion took a point from Selhurst Park on Monday night in front of the television cameras, as Neal Maupay’s goal shortly after the restart was cancelled out by Wilfried Zaha 14 minutes from time.

By Bruce Talbot • 17 December 2019

By Paul Hazlewood
Neal Maupay celebrates firing Albion ahead.

We’ve picked out five things we learned from the contest with Roy Hodgson’s men, as Albion stayed 13th in the league table ahead of this weekend’s game with Sheffield United on home soil. 

1. Maupay continues to impress 

Neal Maupay had plenty of reasons to celebrate at Selhurst Park. He now has seven Premier League goals in his first season at this level – with power to add – and he became the first Albion player to score in three successive Premier League games following his goals against Arsenal and Wolves. No wonder Head Coach Graham Potter was full of praise for the 23-year-old. “He’s adapted well to the Premier League and we’re delighted with him,” said Potter.

01:58

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Maupay's Palace reaction

2. Stats amazing 

The match stats told a story of Albion’s dominance with ten shots on target – a new club record in the Premier League – and more tackles, touches and passes than Palace. Albion also won seven corners to their hosts’ three. But if one player was going to spoil Albion’s night it was always likely to be Wilfried Zaha. He has scored more Premier League goals – six – against the Seagulls than any other club. 

3. Albion in control 

Albion also controlled possession throughout the 90 minutes. They never had less than 66% of the ball at any point in the game, a point acknowledged by Roy Hodgson afterwards. “Brighton are a very good passing team, they keep the ball well,” said the Palace boss.

19:43

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Extended highlights: Palace 1 Albion 1

4. Capital gains 

If you include Watford, the capital has been a productive place for Potter’s men this season. They won at Vicarage Road on the opening day of the season, beat Arsenal a fortnight ago and now have a point from their trip to SE23. Only at Stamford Bridge have Albion tasted defeat in the capital this season. It’s a decent record they will be keen to maintain when they head back to London on Boxing Day to face Tottenham Hotspur. They also have a trip to West Ham – where Albion’s two previous visits have yielded four points – to come in February.

5. Ever present faces

Only 27 players have taken part in every minute of every game in the Premier League this season, and they include Albion pair Maty Ryan and Dan Burn.

Christmas cracker at the Amex!