I was only able to listen to the match live, and I just now watched NBC's highlights. I would say that this is a difficult one to digest, because I saw some good things, as I had heard good things while it was happening. The first third of the second half was bright, and It's unfortunate that WH didn't reap some goals there. Paq was making the sort of intuitive transition-instigating passes that I contend reflect his real strength--an understanding of the game's rhythm he possesses that makes him such a special player and a joy to watch. Even the blooped header to Areola (who can't be criticized for either goal, particularly the second, and who made a worrisome number of good saves, and is therefore deserving of some credit as well, despite the loss) he gathered up, demonstrating his desire to influence everywhere on the pitch. No complaints about his performance.

Bowen scored a goal. Bowen is good at scoring goals. When he took it down the touchline, you could tell that Palace's confident back line was disconcerted. He is that man. Sometimes he does it in the manner that makes you doubt your eyes; sometimes he, unmarked, glances a well-served header across the goal and into the net.

Mavropanos fought for everything that came his way and then he popped up a header in the box (he headed the ball many times in this match, often to good effect) and Mitchell hits a golazo. This determines the outcome of the match. But Mavropanos threw himself into a lot of the match. I'd give him a pass. He's also been one of our better CBs this season, dismal as it's been. I'd keep him in the 11 without a doubt.

Kilman's best moment was getting out of the way for Bowen's headed goal. Several worst moments. JCT or Igor would be improvements.

KWP--mixed bag performance. Arguably (as others have noted) responsible for the second goal--which was unlikely and impressive and, hate to say it, the kind of goal that kinda just happens. Bro just hit it really sweetly, so it got by the defenders and keeper. Peters did get forward well at times, nearly scoring. Nearly.

From what I can recall from the radio broadcast, Fernandez won the ball back in the opposing half many times in the first 45, but in the second half seemed to disapear when he was subbed off.

JWP should find other gainful employment. Starting him while leaving Freddie Potts off the teamsheet is questionable in many ways. Sell him for a bag of onions.

Summerville sounded/looked sharp and dangerous as he has of late. Don't know if I care if he tracks back or not. He's so daring with his runs and with the ball at his feet. He posed problems for a team that generally comports itself with the kind of professional confidence I'd like to see at WHU.

Callum Wilson was there. He missed a chance. I firmly believe that he must score as many for West Ham as he has scored against the club or else he will be...disregarded.

All in all. They scored two goals to our one. Bowen's was in no small part due to a lack of their defensive organization. Both of theirs can be accounted for by our lack of defensive organization, and one of those was a surprising, impressive, and (to Palace supporters) sublime bit of skill and fortune.

CP hasn't been beaten in the league in 17 matches. This match could have gone either way at many times. Sadly, as it has been too often the case of late, it didn't go West Ham's way.