**Crystal Palace's Forward Dilemma: Zaha's Unmatched Presence in Six Matches**

**Introduction**

Crystal Palace’s quest for consistency this season has been overshadowed by their struggles in front of goal. Despite a strong defensive record, the Eagles have often fallen short offensively, leaving many fans and analysts pondering their forward dilemma. Among the key players vying for attention in this debate is Wilfried Zaha, whose influence has been undeniable in the last six matches. This article delves into Zaha’s remarkable impact and the challenges Palace face in balancing their attack with the need for depth.

**Zaha’s Impact**

Wilfried Zaha has been a standout performer for Crystal Palace in their last six matches, showcasing his unparalleled ability to influence games at both ends of the pitch. In these fixtures, Zaha has scored two goals, created five key passes, and taken six shots on target, underlining his importance as a creative force. His ability to break defenses with his dribbling and vision has been a breath of fresh air, especially during spells where Palace have looked lackluster in attack.

Zaha’s presence has often turned the tide of matches, as seen in their recent encounter against a resilient Everton side. His late goal against the Toffees was a testament to his composure and ability to make decisive contributions when it matters most. Additionally, his work rate and unselfish play have made him a favorite among teammates, further cementing his role as the heartbeat of Palace’s attack.

**The Dilemma**

Despite Zaha’s remarkable form, Crystal Palace’s forward line lacks depth and consistency. While Zaha has been a brilliant asset, the absence of a reliable secondary striker has left manager Roy Hodgson with a conundrum. In the last six matches, Palace have scored just five goals in total, with Zaha contributing three of them. This reliance on a single player highlights the need for more attacking options to share the burden and maintain consistency.

The dilemma is further complicated by the fact that Zaha’s versatility is often stretched beyond his limits. He’s been utilized as a false nine, a winger, and a central attacker, but Palace’s attacking output has suffered as a result. The lack of a proven goal scorer who can step up when Zaha is rested or absent is a significant weakness, especially in a league where every point is fiercely contested.

**Looking Ahead**

As the transfer window approaches, Palace’s hierarchy must address their forward issues. Signing a proven striker or a dynamic attacker to complement Zaha would be a priority. However, if they can’t secure a new recruit, they’ll need to rely on their youth system or existing squad members like Jordan Ayew or Connor Wickham to fill the gap.

In the meantime, Hodgson must find ways to manage Zaha’s workload while ensuring the team’s attacking efficiency doesn’t suffer. Rotation and tactical adjustments will be key, as will maximizing the potential of other players to take the pressure off Zaha.

**Conclusion**

Wilfried Zaha is a once-in-a-lifetime player for Crystal Palace, and his contributions cannot be overstated. However, the club must act quickly to address their forward dilemma to avoid falling behind in the league race. With Zaha leading the charge, Palace have the potential to be a force to be reckoned with, but they’ll need more support up front to achieve their full potential. The coming weeks will be critical as Palace strive to strike the right balance between defense and attack, ensuring Zaha’s brilliance isn’t wasted.