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Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson: "We are going from strength to strength"

Eagles boss Oliver Glasner put his complete faith in Henderson at the start of the season, handing him the number one shirt - worn by Sam Johnstone in the previous campaign. 

Although Palace have faced adversity this term, Henderson has repaid Glasner’s trust and the substantial transfer fee paid in the previous summer, constantly being a standout performer for the South London outfit. 

Henderson, who has arguably been Palace’s Player of the Season so far, was recognised at international level for his impressive displays, making his first start for England away to Finland in October.

On Saturday, Palace claimed a point against Manchester City, pulling four points clear of the relegation zone. Although he conceded twice, Henderson had a decent game, producing two excellent saves to deny Savinho and Erling Haaland, respectively. 

After making his 100th league appearance, Henderson revealed that Glasner's side are starting to show glimpses of the outfit that went seven games unbeaten at the end of last season.

"100 per cent. Sarr has come into the team, at the start of the season no one really knew his strengths, which is obvious because we have never played together before.

"Now we're seeing partnerships at the back, in midfield and up the top of the pitch. We are going to go from strength to strength now.

"Sometimes as well, with the fitness of the team, it takes ten games to get to full fitness. You can see we are outrunning teams now. That was the aim at the start of the season.

"Obviously, we weren’t quite doing that. We were getting outrun and outbattled. We are only going to get better."

With the upturn in results, confidence within the Palace camp has increased. Henderson felt that his side would claim points against Manchester City - a feeling synonymous with the Eagles at the close of last season.

“We came into the game and I genuinely believed we could win today. 

“We sort of went into every game last season knowing we were going to win, it was strange. Sometimes you just need back-to-back wins and that is what we're looking for. We're delighted.”

Despite Palace enjoying a good run of results - losing just one of their last eight games - Henderson pointed out that facing Manchester City, who have won four-straight League titles, felt different this weekend. 

“It felt different on the pitch. City at times are unbelievable and you don't get a break, don't get out your own half. 

“They gave us a few chances, we wouldn't have got them last season, we've got to make them count and we did. 

“It is a great point, no matter what form they're in they are world-class players. They are still one of the top teams in the Premier League - we take confidence from that going forward.”

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