Everyone makes mistakes sometimes, especially footballers. And after Sunday's disappointing defeat to Liverpool at Selhurst, Crystal Palace were left to rue yet more bad decisions.
Namely at fault was goalkeeper Alex McCarthy, who slipped when trying to clear a routine loose ball and passed it straight to Roberto Firmino who slid the ball under him to equalise midway through the second half. It was his first start for the Eagles since being dropped for a string of costly mistakes earlier in the campaign.
And he was only playing because first choice Wayne Hennessey -- who has come under fire from fans for making some match-losing errors as well in recent months -- was injured. It seems that whoever is picked between the sticks seems to have a clanger in their locker each game, which raises the question: Why has previous first-choice and fan favourite Julian Speroni not been given a chance again? He's not immune from errors either, of course, but has never made as many mistakes in such a short space of time. And maybe, for such a big game with Palace desperate for a win, it would have made more sense to pick the vastly experienced Speroni rather than putting pressure on the younger McCarthy.
And the mistakes didn't stop there. Damien Delaney could arguably be blamed for a late lunge in the box on Christian Benteke that the Liverpool striker made the most of to go down, but really it was a bit error from referee Andre Marriner to award it (after consulting his linesman).
Pardew claimed after the game that had that challenge been down the other end the Eagles wouldn't have got the decision and he's probably right. Wilfried Zaha and Yohan Cabaye have had appeals waved away for much stronger fouls in the box this season, probably influenced by the fact they play for Crystal Palace and not Liverpool. It is arguably the softest penalty decision given all season and if that set the precedent, it means every tiny bit of contact in the box would be a penalty and there would be dozens of spot kicks every game.
Despite the loss, which makes it just two points from 12 league games in 2016, there were still positives for Palace. Pardew got his team selection spot on, packing the midfield and all three of the men in the middle -- Yohan Cabaye, Joe Ledley and Mile Jedinak -- were excellent. They are running out of games to turn this horror run around, but if they can rule out the silly mistakes, the points still come soon enough.
Player ratings (1-10; 10=best; players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating):
GK Alex McCarthy, 5 -- Not a horrible performance by any stretch but a game-changing error that allowed Liverpool back into it. Wasn't asked to do too much else and did make a good save late on.
DF Joel Ward, 5 -- Really struggling for form at the moment and found the overlapping runs of Alberto Moreno a real problem.
DF Pape Souare, 6 -- The usual sort of game from the Senegalese; great going forward with some lovely crosses, out-of-sorts defensively.
DF Damien Delaney, 6 -- Had a penalty harshly awarded against him in the final seconds but had been dependable before that. One great block on Firmino in the first half in the box.
DF Scott Dann, 6 -- Played on despite an eye injury sustained early on. He could have nodded in a late equaliser but sent a header over the bar.
MF Yohan Cabaye, 7 -- A much better game from the Frenchman than in recent weeks. The team struggled in the middle after he hobbled off midway through the second half.
MF Mile Jedinak, 7 -- An imposing performance with some crunching tackles in the middle of the park and excellent blocks but still can't find a teammate with a pass.
MF Joe Ledley, 7 -- Scored a great goal thanks to a fantastic finish and put himself about. Replaced late on as Pardew rolled the dice.
MF Wilfried Zaha, 6 -- The usual from Zaha; mesmerising footwork but a decent cross was often found wanting.
MF Yannick Bolasie, 6 -- Usually brilliant against Liverpool, the winger wasn't at his best. Should have scored early on when put through by Adebayor but was blocked by Mignolet.
FW Emmanuel Adebayor, 7 -- Led the line well early on and linked with Bolasie to good effect at times. Possibly his best performance for Palace so far but was replaced late on.
Substitutes:
MF Jordon Mutch, 5 -- Replaced Cabaye on 70 minutes and the game started to sway Liverpool's way immediately.
MF Bakary Sako, NR -- A late substitute but couldn't keep hold of possession.
FW Dwight Gayle, NR -- A late cameo but barely touched the ball.