Tomkins confident in Dann partnership at Palace

James Tomkins is optimistic that his central defensive partnership with Crystal Palace skipper Scott Dann will blossom as they spend more time together.

The 27-year-old defender was bought from West Ham in the summer for £10m but with injuries, his game time with the Dann has been limited.

The pair faced the likes of Sergio Ageuro, Raheem Sterling and Kevin De Bruyne on Saturday but it was Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure who got the two decisive goals.

Conor Wickham had equalised just after the hour mark at Selhurst Park but Toure, on his return to Pep Guardiola’s side, found a winner with seven minutes to play.

(Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images)

The result means Palace have lost all of their last five games and haven’t registered a win since their 2-1 victory over Sunderland back in September.

“I think we looked a lot more solid at times than we have in other games,” Tomkins said.

“Hopefully it’s just a case of me learning – partnership-wise – because I’ve only played with Scotty once or twice.

“It’s just a case of playing games and getting used to the other players.

“On the back of three wins we’ve now lost five and that doesn’t look good on paper, but I feel like we’re getting our team back together and looking a lot more solid.”