Crystal Palace 2016/17 Premier League season review

Crystal Palace ended a rollercoaster 2016/17 season with a 14th-placed finish in the Premier League.

Read on for our review of their campaign, complete with the views of Soccer Saturday pundit Charlie Nicholas.

Finishing position: 14th (+1)
Total points: 41 (-1)
FA Cup: Fourth round
EFL Cup: Third round
Top scorer: Christian Benteke (15)

Season review

Crystal Palace supporters had little to cheer during the first half of the season. Results were dismal under Alan Pardew, and they continued in the same vein after Sam Allardyce replaced him just before Christmas.

Advertisement

Relegation seemed to be looming large but slowly and surely Allardyce was whipping his players into shape and getting his message across. Victories over Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool provided moments to savour, and Palace eventually clinched survival with an emphatic 4-0 thrashing of Hull.

January signings Luka Milivojevic and Patrick van Aanholt impressed and Palace will be desperate to make Mamadou Sakho's loan move from Liverpool permanent. With another transfer window behind them, Allardyce and Palace can set their sights a little higher next season.

Also See:

Image: Wilfried Zaha had a fine season for Crystal Palace

EXPERT ANALYSIS - CHARLIE NICHOLAS

Managerial review

Big Sam does what he says on his tin. When he gets a job it takes a bit of time to get the structure right then builds from there. He had to get a bit of fire back into Christian Benteke and he brought Yohan Cabaye back in from the sidelines to bring a bit more creativity to the sides once the foundations were established. It was very impressive from Sam again. He can give himself another big pat on the back.

Player of the Year: Wilfried Zaha

They've got a lot more from him this season. He continues to entertain and he scored more goals than in previous campaigns as well. His final ball is better and while Christian Benteke has finished well, it's Zaha who can really hurt any team when he's on form.

2017/18 prospects

I think they'll kick on next season because Sam will demand a few changes. They'll be keen to keep Mamadou Sakho, although they won't be the only side chasing him, and I think they'll want some more physical full-backs.

Wayne Hennessey has improved but I think they might be looking at somebody of more prominence in goal. They could maybe even go after Ben Foster or Jordan Pickford. A mid-table finish and a cup run would be their target if they can improve in those areas.

I think they'll kick on next season because Sam will demand a few changes.
Charlie Nicholas
Outbrain