Devenny Dismisses Fatigue Claims Amid Palace's Struggling Form

Crystal Palace midfielder Justin Devenny has refuted suggestions that the team's recent slump is due to player exhaustion. Despite a grueling festive schedule, Devenny believes the squad's mentality, rather than fatigue, is the key factor in their current form. Palace has experienced a significant decline in the Premier League standings, dropping from fourth to 14th place in just a month, with four defeats and one draw in their last five games. The team's thin squad has been further depleted by the loss of influential forward Ismaila Sarr to AFCON and injuries to key players. However, Devenny argues that the team's underlying numbers have not dipped as drastically as their recent results, citing close matches against Manchester City, Tottenham, and Fulham. Ahead of their upcoming match against Aston Villa, Devenny emphasized the importance of a strong mentality, stating that if players convince themselves they are fatigued, they will perform accordingly. He also expressed frustration with the team's recent results, acknowledging that they have been unfortunate and that small factors, such as conceding unnecessary goals, have contributed to their struggles. Devenny, who has made two of his three Premier League starts this season since Boxing Day, reflected on his rapid rise to prominence, from playing in the Lowland Football League to becoming a Premier League footballer and FA Cup winner. He attributed his success to his strong mentality, which he developed through his upbringing and early coaching. Devenny aims to continue improving and making the most of his opportunities, focusing on adding more goals and assists to his game.