Julian Speroni – The stop from Carsley when Palace led 1-0 was world-class and absolutely vital. The Eagles would probably have lost if Coventry had scored then. He's back to his best but always seems so dispirited at the moment. 8

Nathaniel Clyne – Super performance from the right back with Burley encouraging him to get forward more. He defended well and deserved a goal for all the forward running he did. 9

Paddy McCarthy – Finally had a defensive partner he looked comfortable with in Gardner and won a lot of headers. Apart from a few dodgy moments early on he kept King fairly quiet. 8

Claude Davis – Not happy at being subbed after 24 minutes because of the flu. Would have liked to have taken his chance to solidify place back in the side. 6

David Wright – Struggled a bit down his side in the first half thanks to a lack of cover in front of him but grew into the game just as he is growing into the left-back position with every performance. 7

Alex Marrow – Needs to find his top form again but he was by no means bad on Saturday, breaking up play efficiently and effectively. You just expect more given the high standards he set at the start of the season. 7

Owen Garvan – Seems to have settled now and is having more and more impact every game. His superb passing kept Palace moving in the middle of the park and he wasn't afraid to get stuck in either. 8

Neil Danns – His movement and running caused Coventry all sorts of problems and he linked up well with Zaha down the right. Shot at one point when he should have passed to Vaughan who was in acres of space. 7

Darren Ambrose – The dead-ball specialist is proving last season's goal tally was no fluke by scoring the free kick and the penalty. Is giving Palace a threat and making a real difference. 9

James Vaughan – He works his socks off doing the stuff strikers don't like, winning headers from long balls and throw-ins. Didn't get a proper sniff at goal but won the debatable penalty. 8

Wilfried Zaha – Every game he surprises me more and more with his talent. His skill, pace and awareness is breathtaking for an 18-year-old and the only lacking from his performance was a goal which he would have richly deserved. Star man. 9

Subs:

Anthony Gardner (Davis, 24) – Best performance since arriving at Palace and was constantly in the right position to clear crosses and long balls. 8

Pablo Counago (Vaughan, 79) – Didn't have much of an impact but held the ball up well at times. 6

Alassane N'Diaye (Ambrose, 85) – Back in favour at the moment and helped see the game out. 6

NOT USED: Lewis Price, Kieron Cadogan, Kieran Djilali, Jon Obika.