In truth, with the season two weeks away from culmination, and their side safe from relegation, you could in some ways forgive Crystal Palace if sun and sea was on the mind.
But of course, with veteran Roy Hodgson in charge, that would not have been allowed. The 75-year-old is a boyhood fan of the club. He knows how much it means to those of a red and blue disposition.
Though, it took what appeared to be a sharp right-hand jab delivered by Joachim Andersen into the face of Jefferson Lerma to wake up the home side.