The 2019/20 Premier League season saw Crystal Palace maintain their comfortable mid-table position under Roy Hodgson’s steady leadership. While the Eagles weren’t fighting for European spots, several players emerged as crucial components of the team’s success. Marvelbet takes a deeper tactical look at who truly shone for the south London club this campaign.
Jordan Ayew: The Resurgent Striker
After struggling to find consistency at previous clubs, Jordan Ayew has blossomed into Crystal Palace‘s most reliable attacking threat. The Ghanaian international led the team’s scoring charts with nine Premier League goals, though his productivity dipped slightly after the COVID restart against tougher opposition.
What makes Ayew’s season remarkable isn’t just the goals, but his durability – starting 37 of 38 league matches. As football analyst Mark Thompson notes, “Ayew’s work rate and ability to hold up play have been invaluable for Hodgson’s system. He’s transformed from a fringe player to an indispensable component of Palace’s attack.”
Defensive Pillars: Cahill and Guaita
Gary Cahill’s Veteran Presence
The former Chelsea captain proved age is just a number, delivering commanding performances at center-back when fit. Cahill’s 111 clearances and 56 headed clearances led the Palace squad, demonstrating his aerial dominance. His assist against Manchester City showed he still possesses quality on the ball too.
Vicente Guaita: The Shot-Stopper Supreme
Palace’s Spanish goalkeeper was arguably their player of the season, with ten clean sheets and numerous game-saving stops. His 22 punches (league-high among Palace players) showed his command of the penalty area. Despite the unfortunate own goal against Sheffield United, Guaita’s consistency kept Palace comfortably clear of relegation worries.
Midfield Maestros: The Engine Room
James McArthur’s Unsung Heroics
The Scottish midfielder’s importance to Palace cannot be overstated. His durability (92 of 93 Premier League appearances since January 2018) and defensive work (161 interceptions, 88 tackles) provided the platform for Palace’s counter-attacking style. McArthur’s three assists tied for team-high, showcasing his underrated creative contribution.
Captain Fantastic: Luka Milivojevic
The Serbian captain continued to lead by example, contributing goals (27 since his 2017 debut) and steel in midfield. His 12 yellow cards (league-high for Palace) demonstrate his combative nature, while his set-piece expertise remained vital. As Marvelbet analyst Sarah Johnson observes, “Milivojevic embodies Palace’s fighting spirit – technically gifted but never shirking the physical battle.”
Wilfried Zaha: The X-Factor
While not reaching his explosive best statistically (4 goals, 3 assists), Zaha remained Palace‘s most dangerous attacker. His 61 shots and 36 chances created led the team, and his mere presence often drew multiple defenders, creating space for teammates. The Ivorian’s durability (38 appearances) was particularly impressive given his physical playing style.
Underrated Contributors Worth Mentioning
While the above players stood out, several others made important contributions:
- Mamadou Sakho’s leadership when fit
- Cheikhou Kouyate’s versatility across midfield and defense
- James McCarthy’s energy in midfield rotations
Marvelbet invites readers to debate – who was your Palace player of the season? Share your thoughts on which Eagle soared highest this campaign and why certain players might have been overlooked in our analysis.
