Brilliant McArthur, Poor Benteke – The best and the worst rated Crystal Palace players vs Stoke

Stoke City 1-2 Crystal Palace: Eagles Send The Potters Crashing Out Of The Premier League

Crystal Palace came from a goal down to beat Stoke City 2-1 at the Bet365 Stadium on Saturday. 

In what was a must-win game for the Potters, who were fighting to stave off relegation, Xherdan Shaqiri put them ahead in the 43rd minute via a deflected free-kick.

However, Roy Hodgson’s Eagles hit back in the second period, with midfielder James McArthur coolly slotting home past Jack Butland in the Stoke goal, rounding off a swift counter-attacking move.  

With just four minutes left to be played in the game, left-back Patrick van Aanholt turned the hero for Palace, finding the back of the net and sealing three points for his side, condemning their hosts to the fate of relegation. 

Crystal Palace Player Ratings

Wayne Hennessey – 6/10

The Welsh international could do little about the free-kick in the first period. Apart from that, had almost nothing to do in terms of making saves. Calm and composed with the ball.  

Joel Ward – 5/10

The right-back started off steadily before succumbing to an injury. Subbed off in the 40th-minute for Martin Kelly.  

James Tomkins – 7/10

Another solid performance in the heart of the defence by the former West Ham United man. Composed, alert and was barely troubled. Booked. 

Mamadou Sakho – 6/10

There were a couple of sloppy moments from the Frenchman but he defended well for most parts, alongside Tomkins.  

Patrick van Aanholt – 6.5/10

Did not have the best of games until he turned up to slot home the winner late in the game. Didn’t always make the right decisions while going forward. 

James McArthur – 7/10

An energetic and tenacious presence on the field, the soon to be out-of-contract midfielder showed great composure to finish off a counter-attack for the equaliser.

Yohan Cabaye – 6/10

The Frenchman had a decent game in the midfield, enjoying decent success in breaking up Stoke City from building up attacks. Seemed to pick up a knock and was taken off.

Luka Milivojevic – 6.5/10

Did his job in the middle of the park without really standing out. Kept it simple. Booked early in the second period.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek – 6/10

A bit of a mixed bag for the on-loan Chelsea midfielder. Started off well, going close to scoring with a curled effort. Conceded the free-kick for Shaqiri’s goal, which deflected off of him into the net. Looked threatening at times but came with a certain amount of sloppiness.

Andros Townsend – 6/10

A fairly quiet outing for the former Tottenham man. Didn’t start off on the best of the notes, with some wayward passing in the first period. Improved after the break and worked hard off the ball.

Wilfried Zaha – 6/10

Cut a frustrated figure at the top as he was isolated for long periods. Missed a decent opportunity after being set up by Townsend. Turned the provider for Van Aanholt’s winner.

Substitutes

Martin Kelly – 6/10

Replaced the injured Ward in the 40th minute. Defended solidly, got forward with good intent.

Christian Benteke – 5/10

Came on for Cabaye two minutes after the hour mark. Not convincing again from the big man.

Jeffrey Schlupp – N/A

A late substitute for Townsend.