#5 Defensive woes and Burnley’s home form lead to Palace’s downfall
The Clarets have been fantastic at home snatching 13 out of a possible 18 points at home this season. As we’ve mentioned before, their home form is certainly the factor that will decide their fate this season. However, it was Palace’s defence that gifted Burnley three points while takes them to ninth on the table.
The back two Damien Delany and Scott Dann have been disorganised and have conceded 19 goals this season while Palace set a new record going 16 games without a clean sheet in the Premier League. Alan Pardew will have to look into his defence and seek reinforcements in the Winter transfer window as Palace are struggling in the bottom five.
#6 West Brom is not only safe but a top ten finish looks possible
Tony Pulis and West Brom started the season looking to avoid relegation this season and a mid-table finish would’ve been a luxury for the Baggies. Pulis made a few bold moves in the transfer market getting rid of Sessegnon, Victor Anichebe, and Rickie Lambert and brought in Matt Philips and Nacer Chadli. Both signings have been fantastic in the time they’ve played for the club.
While Nacer Chadli has certainly revived his career with the club and has been their standout performer, Matt Philips’ confidence seems to be growing game after game and this performance would have certainly done a great deal of favour for himself. Gareth McAuley, Craig Dawson, and Johnny Evans have been fantastic in defence and a top ten finish seems to be a likely outcome for West Brom.
