Crystal Palace's 2022: A Season of Ups and Downs

A Tumultuous Start

Crystal Palace began the 2022 season with a disappointing 3-0 loss to Arsenal. The team struggled to find its footing in the early stages of the campaign, winning just one of its first seven matches. Manager Patrick Vieira was under increasing pressure as the Eagles languished near the bottom of the table.

However, Crystal Palace showed signs of improvement in October, winning three consecutive matches against Leeds United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Southampton. This resurgence lifted the team out of the relegation zone and gave Vieira some breathing room.

An Impressive Revival

The Eagles continued their upward trajectory in November and December, winning four of their next five matches. This included an impressive 2-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford. Crystal Palace was now firmly in mid-table and looking up the standings.

Vieira's team continued to impress in the new year, winning four of its first six matches in 2023. The Eagles were now in the top half of the table and challenging for a place in Europe.

A Late-Season Slump

Crystal Palace's form dipped slightly in the final months of the season. The team won just two of its last eight matches, including a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Burnley in the FA Cup semi-finals.

Despite the late-season slump, Crystal Palace finished the season in 12th place, its highest finish since 2015. Vieira was widely praised for turning the team's fortunes around and establishing them as a solid mid-table side.

Key Players

Several key players contributed to Crystal Palace's success in 2022. Wilfried Zaha was once again the team's talisman, scoring 14 goals and providing 10 assists in all competitions. Eberechi Eze also impressed, particularly in the second half of the season, scoring seven goals and creating numerous chances.

In defense, Marc Guehi and Joachim Andersen formed a solid partnership at center-back, while Tyrick Mitchell continued to develop into one of the most promising young full-backs in the Premier League.

Conclusion

Crystal Palace's 2022 season was a tale of two halves. The team struggled in the early stages but showed resilience and determination to turn its fortunes around. Vieira deserves credit for instilling a winning mentality in the squad, and the Eagles will be hoping to build on their progress next season.