Last Friday, Arsenal icon Patrick Vieira was sacked by Crystal Palace after a 12 game winless run with the threat of relegation looming.
On the 20th of March 2022, Vieira’s eagles soared to a 4-0 victory over Everton on their way to Wembley.
On the same day a year later, Roy Hodgson took the reigns again in a desperate attempt from Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish to keep the winless Eagles afloat in the Premier League.
Popular Twitter user and Palace fan, HLTCO said “The ownership structure and the lack of commitment to the club from those within it over the last 12 months is one of many valid reasons for genuine concern and anger from Palace fans.”
A lack of investment and backing for Vieira certainly didn’t help as Palace spent less money than any other Premier League team this season.
The project seemingly was never fully backed as Palace have failed to sign new full back options which were a must over the summer.
Tyrick Mitchell’s downturn in form has been partly due to no competition as he remains Palace’s only traditional left back.
Joel Ward meanwhile, signed for Palace 11 years ago and is still a regular starter which has certainly raised questions about the “rebuild.”
Long-time Palace fan James Howard said “He was never allowed for a proper project, it’s never a long term project with Palace. Parish bottled it.”
He said: “Vieira is a calm, clever manager and it was a panic-stricken decision for the board to release him now.
“If it wasn’t a kneejerk decision, they would have had somebody lined up. Hodgson wouldn’t be here. It’s absurd that hes been allowed to go so suddenly”.
The Eagles have ten vital games left to play, most of which are against teams below them.
Roy Hodgson must use this international break wisely, otherwise Palace may be in the championship next season.
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