CRYSTAL PALACE F.C.

2016 kicked off with Palace hosting Chelsea at Selhurst Park but they couldn't mark the turning of a new year with a win as the Blues ran out comfortable 3-0 winners, however the game did see Wilfried Zaha chalk up his 200th appearance for the Eagles, and he described his joy as: “I’m buzzing about it - being able to play that many games for the club is amazing. I’ve had so many memories; we’ve gone from administration to being sixth in the Premier League. I’m just so proud to be a part of it."

The January transfer window was open and a new face arrived in the form of Randell Williams who signed for the development side, but there was bad news for the academy as they were knocked out of the FA Youth Cup by Aston Villa at Selhurst Park by a 5-1 margin.

On the same day Palace moved into the fourth round of the FA Cup by beating Southampton with Joel Ward and Zaha on target, and afterwards Alan Pardew said: "Looking at the results I'd say we've had the best result of the FA Cup this weekend. We're looking for a home draw, we don't really care who. With the fans we've got it's going to be tough for anyone."

That game coincided with the start of the team being tracked by American TV station NBC who were filming a behind-the-scenes documentary on the Eagles, but they would be on hand to see Palace lose 1-0 to rock-bottom Aston Villa, and 4-0 to Manchester City.

Further deals were being done and Jack Hunt moved to Sheffield Wednesday, Jonny Williams was loaned to MK Dons and Pape Souare signed a contract extension all ahead of the visit of Tottenham, but the title-challengers would win 3-1 with Dele Alli scoring the Goal of the Season.

With results not going his way, Pardew strengthened his side by capturing Emmanuel Adebayor on a free transfer, with the Togolese hitman vowing: “Whatever the team want to achieve I will follow them - I want to help them win games and that’s what I’m here for. They’re not far from the top five and that’ll be difficult to reach as there are a lot of big games to play, but let’s get out there, have fun and enjoy ourselves. 

The month ended with no more new arrivals but another cup success as Palace set up a fifth round meeting with Spurs by beating Stoke City 1-0 thanks to that man Zaha again.