Forget total football, Crystal Palace are a total mess under Frank de Boer... but Alvaro Morata and Gabriel Jesus make my team of the week

  • Crystal Palace have lost three out of three following their defeat by Swansea 
  • Frank de Boer is struggling to get his team playing in the style he wants
  • Alvaro Morata knows how to work an 18-yard box as well as anyone
  • Bournemouth should take positives from going toe-to-toe with Manchester City

Frank de Boer is trying to get Crystal Palace playing total football. At the moment, it's a total mess.

Three games, three defeats, no goals scored, six conceded — already the alarm bells are ringing at Selhurst Park.

The players do not know if they are coming or going. De Boer has inherited a group of players who had grown used to direct, long ball football under Sam Allardyce and he has tried to implement a complete change of philosophy in a few weeks.  

Frank de Boer has endured a nightmare start to his time as Crystal Palace manager

Frank de Boer has endured a nightmare start to his time as Crystal Palace manager

Tammy Abraham was on the scoresheet as Swansea beat Palace 2-0 on Saturday

Tammy Abraham was on the scoresheet as Swansea beat Palace 2-0 on Saturday

Palace have a good group of players who are more talented than their league position has suggested in the last two seasons. But are they best-suited to wide, expansive football?


Christian Benteke was brought in to be direct. He wants the ball on his chest or his head to feed the players around him, not balls to feet.

The centre halves do not want to be splitting to receive the ball from the goalkeeper. Scott Dann does not want to be playing out from the back.

Every manager has their own belief in how the game should be played but De Boer must realise he lacks the personnel to achieve his vision.

Palace have not had a great summer in terms of recruitment. They have only brought in three players: defender Jairo Riedewald from Ajax, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Tim Fosu-Mensah on loan. If De Boer is not able to bring in the players he needs this week, he should compromise and play to the strengths of those he already has.

De Boer lasted only 14 games at Inter Milan last season. If he doesn't turn things around quickly, he could be heading for the exit even sooner.

Jordan Ayew celebrates with travelling Swansea fans after netting his side's second goal

Jordan Ayew celebrates with travelling Swansea fans after netting his side's second goal

 

Charlie won't stop watching wonder goal 

What an astonishing strike from Charlie Daniels to blast Bournemouth into the lead against Manchester City.

I saw Charlie on Saturday evening and he still couldn't believe what he had done.

He showed incredible technique to hit that ball on the half-volley — and admitted it's a goal he will watch over and over again. Bournemouth were unlucky to lose. 

The disappointment was written all over Eddie Howe's face as Raheem Sterling struck the winner. But he should take several positives from the fact his team went toe-to-toe with Pep Guardiola. 

Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson is beaten by Charlie Daniels's spectacular strike

Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson is beaten by Charlie Daniels's spectacular strike

 

Morata's a marvel 

He may not be the most physically imposing of strikers but Alvaro Morata knows how to work the 18-yard box as well as anyone.

As he showed at Real Madrid and now against Burnley and Everton this season, he is also a superb header of the ball.

Morata is nowhere near as physical as Diego Costa but his movement is excellent, nipping in behind defenders. 

As the stat below shows, he does not seem at all fazed by stepping into the wantaway striker's shoes...

SUPER STAT 

4 - Morata has been involved in four goals in his first three PL games (two goals, two assists). At the same stage last season, Costa had been involved in three (two goals, one assist).

Advertisement

Alvaro Morata blows kisses to the crowd after scoring for Chelsea against Everton

Alvaro Morata blows kisses to the crowd after scoring for Chelsea against Everton

 

It's unfortunate for West Ham that they have had to play their first three Premier League games away but the problems are far deeper for Slaven Bilic. 

West Ham are paying for their poor recruitment last season. 

Four of their 10 signings from last summer's transfer window have left the club while Robert Snodgrass has joined Aston Villa on loan having arrived from Hull for £10.2million in January. 

Who is in charge of bringing in players? If it is the manager then he has to take full responsibility. 

Slaven Bilic watched his West Ham team lose 3-0 to Newcastle at St James' Park

Slaven Bilic watched his West Ham team lose 3-0 to Newcastle at St James' Park

 

How do you solve a problem like Aleksandar Mitrovic? He is far too good to not be in Newcastle's team but for every moment of brilliance — such as his goal against West Ham — there is danger that he will get sent off.

Mitrovic is a battering ram and a brave forward who will score goals. But his stupidity often outweighs his undoubted quality.

There are some players who never learn but if Mitrovic gets his head right, he can be the key to Newcastle staying in the Premier League.