And we thought Kolinko was mad! We may not know the true cost of Speroni's Barthez-moment until May, but the damage inflicted goes beyond his reputation or three points.

The gloom enveloping crisis-club Everton has been lifted, and going into the Chelsea game Palace have taken a point from two potential relegation six-pointers. Will a weaker side than Rooney-less Everton visit Selhurst this season?

Dominant in the first half, Palace's second was marked by a lack of creativity and leadership in the centre of the park, where Gravesen ran riot, and hesitancy at the back.

Where Dowie's tactical decision to play Aki and Hall paid off before the break, thereafter Palace seemed rudderless as the Dane pulled all the strings.

Fitz Hall is a brilliant signing of undoubted class, but asking a 23-year-old defender to learn the central midfield role in the cauldron of Premiership action is questionable, especially when you have the experience, tenacity and guile of Michael Hughes on the bench.

Dowie wants to strengthen the midfield, but hopefully selection against Chelsea will show that there is no rift with last season's midfield general. Or that the appearances target in Hughes new contract is not a factor.

But there is still every reason to be optimistic. The new faces will settle and with AJ and Routledge already showing Premiership class, Palace should find their feet soon.