Herne Hill Saint

Agree with CanadaSaint. Fernandes played on wrong side because he was to weak on the ball and got dispossed when played on the other flank. But main problem is that it's slows delivery of crosses allowing central defenders time to set themselves to defend crosses. Even Dean Wilkins has said we need to be faster getting ball into box. A player who can pull back from the deadball line is the most effective means of breaking dowm packed defences at SMS. Just being able to make the runs will win more penalties.

Holmes as genuine left winger does bring balance to the side and on todays performance I would prefer hime to Lallana on the left. His first touch was excellent and his crossing was good even from out near the corner flag. I do feel that Lallana when not on top form is a bit of a luxury playing as a second striker because some pace and strength may have been more useful today - perhaps he should play on the right if James moves to centre mid whilst Hammond out

Watched him today at Orient. Yes pace to burn but he needs to know when to cross and work on the quality of his crossing. Too often he crossing too early without getting his head up to see if anyone was there. Certainly has potential though

Before the match everyone wanted Papa Waigo to start to give us some much needed pace and width. Pardew to his credit gave him a start and he scored (but did little eslse according to some accounts). Whether starting Mellis is better than a lefter footer (Mills / Holmes ) is debatable. Bringing on Mills was also OK given that he has played well at left mid previosly and many fans thought he deserved a start. Therefore the only thing left is to start or give Holmes more time as a sub. Would this have made the difference - debatable, but one thing for sure there is a lot of over reaction on this board. Most of Pardew's signings have been good but right now because of the last minute equaliser things look s***e. I predict a reaction on Saturday.

Agree - Dowie is vastly over-rated. He only has one thing to his name and that was getting Palace from the bottom of Championship to promotion and by all accounts this was due to having a really good number two and an Australian rugby fitness coach. Everything else he has touched has been a disaster. tisdale, ince, cotterill or possibly bothroyd - in that order are all better bets IMO