CRYSTAL PALACE

The season in one word: Transformation.

Star of the show: Conor Gallagher. Loan spells simply do not work out better than this. Fans would love to see him back next season.

Biggest letdown: Odsonne Edouard. His move has not worked out brilliantly and a tame performance in the FA Cup semi-final at the end of a brilliant Palace run edges this.

Most improved player: Jean-Philippe Mateta (right). Looked a bit laboured when he first arrived but has led the line admirably since Christmas.

Game to remember: Palace 4 Everton 0 (FA Cup, March 20, 2022). The win that booked their trip to Wembley was one of those wonderful afternoons when everything went right. Honourable mentions must go to the League victories over Manchester City and Arsenal.

Games to forget: Palace 1 Brighton 1 (Sept 27, 2021) & Brighton 1 Palace 1 (Jan 14, 2022). There were poorer performances elsewhere, but conceding late equalisers in both games against Brighton will still rankle most.

Rising star: Marc Guehi. The age profile of the squad means there are loads with claims — Michael Olise, Tyrick Mitchell — but Guehi has been immense and is surely headed for the World Cup

with England.

Manager verdict: The “French Frank de Boer” was the fear but it could hardly have been less justified. Patrick Vieira has created a new team with a new style.

Fans’ mood: Supporters were ready for change after years of Roy Hodgson but could not have expected it to arrive so emphatically, so quickly. Selhurst Park has been rocking all season.

Grade: B+