Roy Hodgson’s Crystal Palace followed up their historic win at Old Trafford with a solid home victory against Dean Smith’s newly promoted Aston Villa.
Whilst it was a nervy ending for the Eagles, Henri Lansbury’s late equaliser being controversially chalked off, they were much the better side throughout the game, having the lion’s share of possession and clear-cut opportunities.
Despite the home side being in control for much of the first half, both sides went in goalless at the break, mainly due to a lack of end product in the final third. In particular, James McArthur’s golden chance was always rising.
Things started to hot up in the second period though, when Wilfried Zaha dazzled Trezeguet, and the Egyptian winger recieved a second yellow card. Trezeguet’s challenge was one of many ill-timed tackles in the game for the away side.
With Palace piling on the pressure and having numerous efforts on goal, the deadlock was finally broken by starman Jordan Ayew in the 73rd minute.
Fellow Ghanaian, Jeffrey Schlupp, played the ball down the left channel for Ayew, who jinxed in-between two defenders, and slotted away a neat finish. A big relief for Hodgson and Palace supporters alike.
Due to Palace sitting deep in the final quarter of an hour, Villa started to venture forward for the first time in the game.
It was in the last minute of added time where Grealish played a pass to Lansbury who finished past Guaita, however, much to the delight of the home fans, the goal was disallowed for simulation, Jack Grealish the culprit.
Here is how we rated Palace’s players…
