Not for the first time this season, the passing just wasn't up to premier league standard. Just not sure if it was a result of the opposition playing at a higher tempo or respecting teams in the top 6 too much.
If anything, the worst performance of the year highlighted where the team needs investment and aside from the blatantly obvious saying of the whole squad, 3 or 4 positions stood out.
In those positions we may have triers but that sort of mentality is what schools use now in their lack of competitiveness. This being that effort and taking part has replaced the need for winners.
The players id say were at risk in an ideal world of an ambitious club would be Yedlin, Dummett, Diame, Hayden and Perez. I would never play Kenedy again as he looks unfit and disinterested with a lack of impact subs probably as great an issue as any player on the pitch.
That being said, a defeat was always on the cards and you'd have to surmise that the non-appearance of Shelvey at any stage will see him in from the start against Crystal Palace in place of Diame, who will trigger a new deal if he starts another game.
My prediction for Saturday's starting side.
Dubravka
Lejeune, Lascelles, Schar
Ritchie, Shelvey, Ki, Perez, Dummett
Almiron
Rondon