Crystal Palace struggles with counter-attacks in recent matches

Crystal Palace has struggled defensively in the 2024-25 Premier League season, conceding five out of seven goals from counter-attacks. Their vulnerability stems from a combination of individual errors and a lack of control in midfield, which has left them exposed during transitions. In their opening match against Brentford, Palace's defensive line was caught off-guard, leading to a goal that highlighted their issues with positioning and pressing. Key players, including centre-back Andersen, have been caught out of position while attempting to support the attack. In subsequent matches, Palace's defensive frailties continued to be exploited by opponents. For instance, during a game against Chelsea, Palace committed too many players forward, allowing Chelsea to counter with speed and precision. This resulted in a situation where Palace's defenders were outnumbered, leading to dangerous opportunities for the opposition. The miscommunication and misplaced passes from Palace players further exacerbated their defensive woes. The lack of cohesion in the midfield has been a significant factor in their struggles. Players like Eberechi Eze and Kamada have failed to track opponents effectively, allowing attackers to exploit gaps in the defense. This has led to critical goals against them, including one from Jamie Vardy, who capitalized on a defensive lapse to score easily. Overall, Crystal Palace's defensive issues are a combination of tactical missteps and individual mistakes, which have left them vulnerable to counter-attacks. If these problems are not addressed, they risk continuing to concede goals and dropping points in the league.