Crystal Palace v West Ham United: Talking Points

Eagles v Hammers: Pic by @CapFootballUK

A point each in the London derby at Selhurst Park did neither team any Premier League favours – especially for relegation-threatened West Ham United.

Here, Capital Football looks at some takeaways from the scoreless draw in south London.

EAGLES' EYES ELSEWHERE?

For the second home game in a row, Palace fans – renowned for their vocal support at Selhurst Park – were more preoccupied about a possible trip to Leipzig on 27 May for the Conference League final. “We’re on our way” roared the Holmesdale end.

Of course the south Londoners have to negotiate a semi-final first, against Shahktar Donetsk in neutral Poland. Despite the Ukrainian outfit progressing the last four after defeating AZ Alkmaar 5-2 on aggregate in the quarter final, the tie is not a foregone conclusion for the Eagles, as boss Oliver Glasner will reiterate.

With that in mind and sitting comfortably in an unthreatening 13^th place in the Premier League, there was a distinct lack of early urgency from the Eagles. However the collective focus by Palace towards the next chapter of their Euro adventure is understandable, with silverware a real possibility.

EFFICIENT EAGLES?

We had to wait until the 20^th minute for the first real chance, Brennan Johnson heading over the bar for the hosts from Jefferson Lerma’s enticing cross.

Johnson created another opportunity which curled just past the Hammers’ post – an encouraging sign for the player, still settling into life at Selhurst after his big money move from Tottenham Hotspur. Will the striker somehow manage to become a focal point for the Eagles?

An injury to midfielder Adam Wharton – who had to watch from the stand – showed up in Palace’s play. The England international’s control and precision absent in a forgettable encounter overall.

With significant uncertainty at Crystal Palace, considering Glasner’s summer departure, his successor will at least hope a potent partnership between Johnson and Jorgen Strand Larsen can be fully established between the duo.

HAMMER INDUSTRY

West Ham operated with a containment strategy for the majority of the first half, in a game where the onus was on them to win and create a five point gap between themselves and relegation rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

Nevertheless, they were denied an opening goal a couple of minutes before the break when in-form Konstantino Mavropanos saw a terrific header parried away by Palace keeper Dean Henderson. While it was indeed a fine save, the east Londoners need more urgency across an entire ninety minutes, rather than chunks of a game, in their remaining five games.

FIVE GAMES LEFT FOR HAMMERS TO SAVE THEMSELVES

After this 0-0 draw here Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have five matches to try and steer away from the drop. West Ham may be a couple of points above Tottenham, but there is at least a belief and a desire among the players that is lacking across the squad at their north London rivals.

Crucially, three of those fixtures are at the London Stadium, starting with Everton on Saturday. There is more structure about the team, which is thanks to the manager, as the first rule of the clash at Selhurst Park was likely not to lose.

A point away from home at this stage of the season remains significant, particularly in light of Spurs’ dropped points at home to Brighton at the weekend. While there is still much for the Hammers to do, the majority of the relegation pressure remains at Tottenham.

A further intriguing observation is that, according to Opta, based on hundreds of thousands of data points, Spurs are now strong favourites for relegation. In theory that might calm a few nerves at West Ham, but theory and practice remain entirely separate. “A fight to the end”, was Nuno Espirito Santo’s post-match verdict from Selhurst.

West Ham do look like the side with the most willingness and organisation – but their work rate, at the very least, will need to be maintained.

Relegation for the Hammers would be catastrophic – a fire sale of their best players is likely among many cutbacks, so Nuno needs total commitment from all at the east Londoners.