DON’T GO WILF
EVERY KICK, EVERY GOAL, EVERY GAME Christian in plea to Zaha
CHRISTIAN BENTEKE has begged Wilfried Zaha to forget about leaving Crystal Palace.
Zaha’s Crystal Palace future was thrown into doubt last week after an approach from Tottenham, although chairman Steve Parish insisted the winger is staying.
But the uncertainty was enough to unsettle the winger and force boss Alan Pardew to leave the crowd favourite on the bench on Saturday.
Zaha’s contribution when he came on underlined his value – and £27m club record signing Benteke has made it clear to the 23-year-old in a heart-to-heart chat.
The former Liverpool striker knows he will benefit from the service Zaha can deliver from the flanks.
He said: “Everyone knows Wilf ’s ability on the ball and he helped us a lot when he came on. Of course we’d like him to stay.
“I’ve spoken with him and tried to convince him to stay but that’s football.
“I came to Palace because of the way they play. It was good for me and the manager can get the best out of me. They can build a team around my qualities and abilities.”
Shared
Right-back Joel Ward confirmed Benteke’s view on Zaha is shared by the rest of the Palace squad.
He said: “The fans know Wilf and the character he is and how important he is to us. The way he applied himself today and came on and did his job was fantastic.”
Pardew needs his team to stick together as they look for a first league win of the season – although the manager needs the two new signings he is chasing this week.
Scott Dann’s added-time header salvaged a point after Josh King’s 10th-minute goal put Bournemouth ahead.
Palace’s cause wasn’t helped by Yohan Cabaye’s failure to score from a penalty awarded by referee Mike Dean for a Charlie Daniels pull on Benteke’s shirt.
The striker tried to get the ball from Cabaye and insisted he will assume responsibility next time.
Benteke said: “I asked Yohan if I could take it and he said he was taking it. But next time I will take it.”
The penalty would not have been given last season, but Daniels accepts it is up to the players to abide by the new rules.
The Bournemouth left-back said: “The ref gave it because I was holding on to him. I think it was very soft, but to be honest I was grabbing him. I have to hold my hands up and say I was in the wrong.
“They said they wanted to clamp down on it and they have done it. If we can keep it consistent then it won’t be a problem.” Mandanda 8; CRYSTAL PALACE (4-4-2): 7, Souare Ward 7 (Kelly 88), DANN 8, Delaney 67, 7), Cabaye 5, 7; Puncheon 7, McArthur 7 (Lee 67, 6), Benteke 6. Townsend 7; Wickham 5 (Zaha Boateng. Subs: Speroni, Tomkins, Ledley, Premier League, UP NEXT: Middlesbrough (a), Saturday, September 10. Boruc 8; A BOURNEMOUTH (4-2-3-1): 6; Arter Smith 7, Francis 7, S Cook 7, Daniels 6), KING 9, Fraser 8, Surman 7; Ibe 6 (Gosling 61, 72, 6). Subs: 6 (Ake 88); Wilson 7 (Grabban Federici, Afobe, Gradel, B Smith. League, UP NEXT: West Brom (h), Premier Saturday, September 10. Referee: Mike Dean 6. man to have YOUR TURN: Who is the last managed Palace and the Cherries? JOSH KING Ran Palace ragged in first half YOHAN CABAYE Penalty shocker