Crystal Palace fans hail Gary Cahill after defensive masterclass at Watford

The goalless draw meant Roy Hodgson’s side now have three clean sheets in as many games.

Watford, watched on from the stands by newly appointed manager Nigel Pearson, looked a different outfit to that which had only recorded one win this season.

The home side had the better of the chances and Palace will feel relieved to leave North West London without their goal breached.

The feat was more impressive after a week where Hodgson was unaware of how many, if any, of his backline would be fit to feature having seen midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate deputise at centre back in the midweek win over Bournemouth.

One man who did return from an ankle injury to start the London derby was Gary Cahill.

The summer signing made his first start in three games at the basement club and to many he was the prime reason why the Eagles picked up a point on their travels.

FANS VIEW

Was good to get back on the pitch today with a clean sheet and tough point on the road➕1️⃣ #cpfc #eagles pic.twitter.com/YtJMpBvyl4

— Gary Cahill (@GaryJCahill) December 7, 2019

You were exceptional today, Gary - game saving challenges and master leadership of the once again changed back four ... nice one, buddy.

— Ben Cogan (@BeCoMeCast) December 7, 2019

Great game MOTM for me

— frank conn cpfc (@frankconn6) December 7, 2019

I think we can all agree that Guaita, Cahill & Ayew have been by far & away our top three performers so far this season.#CPFC

— Nick 🦅 (@Nick_CPFC) December 7, 2019

Cahill our man of the match. No contest. What a signing! #cpfc

— Bob White (@Bacoletplayer) December 7, 2019

We’re a team full of Andros Townsend’s every time we receive the ball we go square & back thought Cahill & Riedewald were our best players today. #CPFC

— Domenico De Prospo 🇮🇹 🦅 (@DProspo) December 7, 2019

If it wasn't for Cahill and Guieta we lose this game today run of games hasn't helped and injuries of course we now have just over a week to prepare for the gay parade I have faith #cpfc

— Andy Hoad (@AndyTheTwat1992) December 7, 2019

Great performance by Guaita and Cahill - kept us in the match #CPFC

— Arnvid Lampe (@ArnvidL) December 7, 2019

Awful, awful game. Cahill man of the match by a long way, held it together when they were clean through multiple times. #CPFC

— Toby (@tEdits_Toby) December 7, 2019

I'm going to take that result because it was a very tired performance from us given mid-week's heroics. We could easily have lost that game if not for some magnificent pieces of defending from Cahill, and a fine save from Guaita at the death. We're so lucky to have them.#CPFC https://t.co/soiXxVGrOd

— Nick 🦅 (@Nick_CPFC) December 7, 2019

Daily reminder that Gary Cahill and Vicente Guaita cost a combined total of £0 #cpfc

— Bollard (@Bradley_Pollard) December 7, 2019

Unbelievable from cahill #CPFC

— paul brake (@BrakePaul) December 7, 2019

Gary Cahill is unbelievable. Two challenges that have saved pretty much certain goals. What a signing! #cpfc

— Alex Howell (@iamAlexHowell) December 7, 2019

Unpopular opinion I’m sure but Cahill should be captain in my book 🤔

— Paul Kain (@palacerule) December 7, 2019

What a signing outstanding

— Andy davis (@Ukhilal1957) December 7, 2019

Lad is unreal. What a signing.

— Roar Strand (@roarstr) December 7, 2019