Zaha and Schelotto provide the sideshow while Crystal Palace expose Brighton's familiar failings

One of the many decisions Graham Potter had to make ahead of Crystal Palace was who could deal best with the threat of Wilfried Zaha.
Wilfried Zaha once again played up to the officials and the crowd during the 1-1 draw at the AmexWilfried Zaha once again played up to the officials and the crowd during the 1-1 draw at the Amex
Wilfried Zaha once again played up to the officials and the crowd during the 1-1 draw at the Amex

Ezequiel Schelotto played extremely well at Sheffield United last week but Martin Montoya was recalled to the starting line-up as Schelotto dropped to the bench. Both made quite an impact on Zaha, even though Schelotto wasn't on the pitch.

Zaha scored at Selhurst Park against Brighton in the 1-1 back in December but Montoya largely dealt well with the Palace dangerman and indeed the Spaniard proved an attacking threat in his own right.

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Zaha started the match at the Amex on the right but soon drifted over to Montoya's side as he probed the left flank. Montoya once again played Zaha well and deep midfielder Davy Propper, making his 100th appearance for Brighton, also doubled up on Ivory Coast international when needed.

Crystal Palace celebrate Jordan Ayew's winner at the Amex StadiumCrystal Palace celebrate Jordan Ayew's winner at the Amex Stadium
Crystal Palace celebrate Jordan Ayew's winner at the Amex Stadium

But the biggest contribution against him in the first half came from Schelotto, who was warming up by the touchline. Schelotto deliberately kicked the ball back to Zaha, with a little extra force, in front of the vocal home support.

The duo exchanged words and Zaha responded by shoving the Argentine. Schelotto was booked but the pantomime continued a few moments later as Schelotto continued to 'warm-up' and wind-up by wiping his eyes to indicate that the Palace man was a bit of a cry-baby.

It was all quite silly but quite funny and provoked the crowd and social media. It was a dangerous game to play as Zaha until that point had been well shackled. Had he scored, Schelotto would have been accused of unnecessarily firing him up and if he remained quiet, then Schelotto and Brighton would have 'got to' Zaha.

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It turned out that Palace's Jordan Ayew and Christian Benteke made far more valuable contributions as Palace fans celebrated a narrow 1-0 victory at the home of their old rivals. Ayew's 70th minute goal after clever approach play from Benteke proved decisive.

Zaha almost scored the goal he so craved when he hit the post and then blasted over from close range in the final minutes but he remained on the periphery and Schelotto remained on the bench.

They both proved to be a sideshow on the day but little more. The main concern for Albion supporters is that they once again played quite well, missed very presentable chances and conceded a fairly soft goal.

Zaha's antics and performances have a familiar pattern this season but so too Brighton.

Still they seek their first victory of 2020. Wolves away, Arsenal, Leicester away and Manchester United are next.