With a lull in real news as the dust still settles on the 2017/18 Premier League campaign and with sighs of relief still being the order of the day following Roy Hodgson’s diligent, and successful, work towards securing our safety for another season in the top-flight, Crystal Palace’s social media team are wrapping up some of the best statistics from the last 12 months.
The latest recipient for praise was a certain Bakary Sako.
⌚️ @sakobakary26's 156 minutes per goal in the #PL was the best of any Palace player last season. #KingBak 👑 pic.twitter.com/souGrEG3Cn
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) May 23, 2018
In a season blighted by problems up front with a raft of injuries, a failure to truly strengthen the front line and then relative form, Sako, until hit himself with injury, contributed an extremely useful six goals across all competitions, and with three in the Premier League itself he certainly played his part in shouldering the burden during that period.
Wilfried Zaha was another standout for us.
Much to my amusement, Sako’s own response tickled me.
???????? not bad ! #blessed https://t.co/YoWzdu8itl
— Bakary Sako (@sakobakary26) May 23, 2018
With survival giving rise to greater hopes for next campaign, fans were quick to point out that the player was deserving of a new contract so we can make a better fist of things next season.
Bakary Sako proved his worth before his season ending injury and Roy Hodgson was gutted that he was unavailable for selection and so were the Palace fans as he had started looking a good striker.
He deserves a new Palace contract.
COYP— martin benson (@hdeagle08) May 23, 2018
Sign here …………
— ???????????? (@LegendLuka_) May 23, 2018
— tom ???? (@SuperbFromSako) May 23, 2018
Announce new contract
— Ian CPFCarlow (@IanCarlow) May 23, 2018
Said you could do it in the prem????
— Oli (@01WolfO) May 23, 2018
Give the lad a new contract
— Danny 'E.H.G' Perry (@80scorpio80) May 23, 2018
Sign him up @CEO4TAG ????????
— Peter Howard (@PeterHoward01) May 23, 2018
Given he only made 19 appearances last season and he hasn’t exactly been a regular, it would be good to know what he’s capable of doing with a sustained run in the side.