This was a much-needed win. Given not only the recent results but also recent performances from Thomas Frankâs side, a trip to Crystal Palace was not exactly a welcoming fixture.
Much of the game played out that way, too, with Palace dominating for long periods. After coming under some considerable pressure in the first half, Archie Gray struck from a corner shortly before half time. Palace started strongly again in the second half, but Frankâs substitutes were able to help us see out the game and make a more comfortable last 20 minutes than it appeared would be the case.
GK Guglielmo Vicario
Inconsistent season from Vicario so far but today was one of his better games. For all of Palaceâs pressure, he did not have lots of difficult saves to make. When he was required, Vicario did well and showed some good control of his area when coming for crosses in the second half. Rating: 7
RB Pedro Porro
Better than in recent weeks although Porroâs attacking distribution continues to be down on last season. One exception was an excellent cross for Richarlisonâs finish in the first half, unfortunately ruled out by VAR. This shows the type of threat Porro can be when on form. Defensively, he was pulled out of position by Adam Wharton several times in the first half but did look more solid in the second half. Rating: 6
LB Djed Spence
Spence is a reliable defender, particularly in one-on-one situations, and showed that again today. Was under pressure in the first half but, as with Porro, he improved defensively in the second half. We would benefit greatly from Spence getting forward more effectively. Last week against Liverpool showed he can, but today he was needed defensively and played an important part in securing the 3 points. Rating: 7
CB Kevin Danso
Had an unusual situation very early when a through ball caught him out and resulted in a challenge that could have received a red, could have been not given as a foul at all, and instead received a yellow. Danso did look unsure at times in the first half but was one of our best players in the second half. When Danso plays, we look a lot stronger in the air and while Christian Romero and Micky van de Ven typically start when available, Danso is an important member of the squad. Rating: 8
CB Micky van de Ven
Micky has had a couple of difficult moments in recent games, interspersed with his usual excellent play. Today was a more common solid performance. Calm under pressure and able to use his unmatched pace when needed. A big player for us, and a good performance today. Â Rating: 8
CM Rodrigo Bentancur
Looked overrun at times in the first half but was a calming influence on the ball in the second half. Bentancur is at his best when able to move the ball forward, something we saw at the beginning of the season but less so recently. Kept going to the final whistle and was still driving forward at the end with a shot well into stoppage time. The second half performance is what we need more of from Bentancur. Rating: 7
CM Archie Gray
A very welcome first goal for Gray, particularly after he struggled recently away at Nottingham Forest. It still is not clear if Frank knows Grayâs best position, but he has had a run of games in central midfield recently and was able to attack a little more than usual. A simple header for the goal but credit for being in the position to make it. A deserved goal for a young player who has been asked to do a lot since signing. Â Rating: 8
RW Mohammed Kudus
Kudus could not drive the ball forward as much as usual but was still the player the team continue to look for to provide creativity. Like Porro, his exception was a brilliant cross for a finish disallowed by VAR. Kudus has so much ability to create and his recent more quiet games may well be a result of teams realizing we rely too much on him as an outlet. Â Rating: 6
AM Lucas Bergvall
Even if not always successful, Bergvall plays with his head up and is one of the few players on the team who can pick a through ball. This game was very much that for Bergvall. Lots of intent but not too much able to work out. He did create a chance in the first half for Randal Kolo Muani with an intelligent header. Went off injured in the second half, replaced by João Palhinha.  Rating: 5
LW Randal Kolo Muani
 Still no Premier League goals for Muani though he continues to work hard for the team. Had long periods out of the game with one first half effort blocked. Can look effective dribbling at defenders but did not get much opportunity. Seems to be another that Thomas Frank needs to decide on his best position. Rating: 5
CF Richarlison
One of Richarlisonâs better games of the season. Did well for the goal, flicking the ball back across to keep the attack alive. Also showed improved hold-up play over recent weeks and brought others into the game, which is critical for the way we play. Some close VAR calls could have led to goals as well. Â Rating: 8
Substitutes: João Palhinha, Wilson Odobert, Radu DrÄguÈin, Brennan Johnson
Palhinha and Odobert both had an excellent impact. Palhinha to break up Palace attacks and Odobert as a constant threat on the wing. In different ways, these contributions were a major factor in easing pressure. Odobert was also unlucky not to score with a shot against the post. Johnson was a willing runner and got into some good positions, although again did not look aware with the final ball. Dragusin made a comeback after a long time out with injury, had a chance to score with his first touch, and was able to help solidify the back line.