Palace’s Tomkins makes case for the defence

Attacking talents often scoop up the majority of headlines but James Tomkins claims it is Crystal Palace’s defence that will make or break their season.

Palace looked defensively clueless in the early stages of supposed-saviour Sam Allardyce’s reign but they have turned things round in recent weeks.

The Eagles have now kept three clean sheets on the spin, including a 1-0 victory over Watford last time out.

And defender Tomkins insists that the know-how of Allardyce has helped turn things round for the backline.

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“In recent weeks the boss has taken us to one side on the training ground, both as a defensive unit but also as a team group,” said Tomkins.

“He has had us working on our shape with a massive emphasis being on clean sheets, something which he has always been known for, wherever he has managed.

“It is not just about the back four and the keeper but also those working from the front, sitting in when needed and then breaking out in numbers on counter attacks when the opportunity comes about in games.

“In recent weeks this work has been paying off because to get three consecutive clean sheets in the Premier League just gives us such a great lift and shows how our defensive play is key to our chances.”