Before the Palace game kicked off, nobody really knew what to expect in Huddersfield Town’s first game back in the top-flight for over 40 years. Few expected a 3-0 victory for the Terriers. Here are a few thoughts about this incredible game.
1. Maybe the Premier League isn’t ready for us
I got a bit sick of hearing ill-informed pundits talk about how we aren’t prepared for the Premier League. They grumble that we’ve not signed experienced Premier League players and write us off because of our negative goal difference last season. The expectation was that we were unprepared and would be the league’s whipping boys
I think Palace weren’t prepared for us. We didn’t give them chance settle and made the most of the chances we created. On the strength of this performance, I think a few Premier League teams will now be concerned about how they can play against us when we’re on top of our game.
2. League tables after one game are a good idea
I’ve always thought that publishing league tables early in the season is pointless. They mean very little until you’ve played at least 10 games. I’ve softened my opinion now Town sit on top of the Premier League after the first Saturday of the season. Obviously, I don’t expect it to last, but what a glorious thing to see!
We got there in the end!
Huddersfield Town top the Premier League table! #MOTD pic.twitter.com/RwLdwrm3C8
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) August 12, 2017
3. Mounié is the real deal
Paying £11m for a striker is a big gamble for a team like Huddersfield Town but he’s repaid a chunk of that fee already.
His two goals show how classy he is with his head and his feet. Mounié’s ability to time his headers and attack the ball is exceptional.
It wasn’t just in front of goal that he impressed. He held the ball up well and made life difficult for the Palace back three. He also made some excellently headed clearances when defending corners.
It’s still very early, but £11m might end up being a bargain for a player of Mounié’s quality.
4. Palace were far from their best
The scoreline flattered Town but they did deserve to win. Crystal Palace had a bad day and their star players didn’t perform.
Perhaps this was because Town didn’t allow them to get going. I suspect the change in manager and style of play were to blame for their poor showing too.
Last season Palace played direct football on the break but de Boer wants them to play a possession based game. They’ll probably get better but it’s going to take time.
I like Palace and think they’ve got some great players but it wouldn’t surprise me if they’re fighting for survival this season unless they adapt quickly to this new approach. The sad truth is that managers are judged on results and de Boer might not get long enough in the job to make his vision a reality at Palace.
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5. Town fans were immense
Town were great on the pitch, but the fans were also pretty good in the Arthur Wait stand. The singing didn’t stop all game and the volume was deafening at times.
Some of the people outraged about away ticket priority complained that the system would ruin atmosphere at away games. I can say this was the best away game for singing and cheering outside of the playoffs.
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Nahki Wells won’t get near the starting XI in this Premier League team with the scoring power of MOUNIÉ MOUNIÉ! The ex-Montpellier man is the real deal and he can score the goals that can keep us well away from the bottom three. Newly-promoted sides need a goalscorer, and we have one on our hands.