My Kingdom For Some Context

What factors are considered when assessing a team's response to a match and a subsequent team talk? I ask because I've just played a classic example of a match where I don't think the game gets it right.

To summarise, my Palace team (5th in the Prem the previous season, but relatively low rep as only in third season at that level) are 4th when they visit league leaders Man U. Between it being a midweek game (thus exposing my lack of depth) and my team's unerring ability to decide when playing big four sides that the opposition box is hallowed ground that must not be entered under any circumstances, I'm not expecting much.

Anyway, at 0-0 just before half-time, with United better but not dominating, their main striker (a ball crusher of some renown) gets himself sent off. Palace then proceed to lay siege to United's goal for the whole second half, facing only one shot the whole half... which they tuck away for a 1-0 home win.

The game's response seems to be that I should be happy with a close defeat, but surely context here is king and a team in that position should think it unforgivable not to get at least a point from a situation like that...

I agree. My Spurs side (in 2024) seem to think me being disappointed with a 0-0 home draw against the bottom side is grounds for a mutiny. I was disappointed mind you, not angry. My question is why do the negative team talks (angry, letting the team down etc.) exist if their use destroys moral? Surely every team needs the hairdryer treatment now and again.

Then again it may be down to the personality of my side...

I really do curse a lot when outplaying a super-side like real madrid and then them scoring a howler from far out, their only shot to get on target all game, and it goes in, yet none of my shots do. It makes me want to tear my hair out at times although I know I've had the opposite situation.