Crystal Palace’s lack of a ‘clinical’ forward is 'a huge problem', according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: 21 goals

The Eagles have struggled in front of goal in the Premier League this season, with Patrick Vieira’s side netting 21 times in 24 games, less than 19th-placed Bournemouth and 17th-placed Leeds United.

They are still without a win in 2023 and are just six points clear of the bottom three, potentially in danger of finding themselves in a relegation battle over the coming months if things don't improve.

The Latest: Jones’ comments

Jones was talking to GiveMeSport regarding Palace and was asked if Vieira’s job could be under threat. The reporter believes the Eagles will assess ‘everything’ in the summer but believes not having a ‘clinical goalscorer’ is ‘a huge problem’.

“I think they'll try to see out this season and then really assess everything across the summer.

“Palace are probably just about far enough up the table that they'll be okay, but like Southampton, they haven't got a clinical goalscorer, and that's a huge problem.”

The Verdict: Spot on

Winger Wilfried Zaha is the club’s top scorer this season with six goals, with Odsonne Edouard netting five times. Eberechi Eze has four goals to his name and Michael Olise two, with no one else in the squad scoring more than one goal.

They are averaging less than a goal a game which could be a worry heading into the latter stages of the season. Zaha is also out of contract in the summer, so as Jones says, the club may need to ‘assess everything’ in the summer, with multiple attacking additions surely high up on the club’s agenda.