The tension between Oliver Glasner and fans was put to one side when Crystal Palace claimed a 1-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Eagles were helped to victory when Ladislav Krejci was sent off for two yellow cards on the hour mark.
Glasner told Palace supporters to “stay humble” ahead of today’s game. It was nearly the Austrian coach who was humbled when the visitors looked to have hung on to a point with ten men.
That was until second-half substitute Evann Guessand came to the fore. The Aston Villa loanee pounced on a loose ball in the box and scored a vital 90th-minute goal.
A much-needed victory for so many reasons, including Palace’s Premier League status. The three points mean Glasner’s side remain 13th but now 10 points above the drop zone.
Guessand has yet to become a starter since arriving on loan from Villa in January. The Ivorian scored one of the most important goals of the Eagles’ season.
Palace were close to going behind in the first half when Adam Wharton gave away a penalty. Tolu Arokodare stepped up, but his attempt was denied by a fabulous Dean Henderson save.
Palace fans laud Deano
When Arokodare prepared to take his penalty, he might well have images of Henderson’s previous penalty heroics in his mind. The English goalkeeper has become a spot-kick specialist, and he pulled off a fine save to deny the Nigerian.
The Holmesdale End celebrated his save like a goal, and it was just what he deserved for a superb performance overall. Wearing the captain’s armband, he made seven saves, prevented a ratio of 1.99 goals and displayed true leadership between the sticks.
The 28-year-old’s display didn’t go unnoticed by supporters. Several took to X to praise the English shot-stopper.
One fan wrote:
“Henderson was immense.”
Another waxed lyrical and claimed he was the reason Palace secured all three points:
“My MOTM definitely Henderson. If not for him, we wouldn’t be able to win this one.”
Another echoed this:
“Palace owe a huge debt to Dean Henderson, who saved a penalty from Tolu Arokodare in the 43rd minute to keep the game level at the break.”
One supporter feels it’s time the former Manchester United goalkeeper gets more plaudits:
“When is Dean Henderson gonna get his flowers?”
Palace Report spoke highly of Henderson’s efforts:
“Appreciation for DEANO. That penalty save was so important.”
Another fan highlighted Yeremy Pino’s missed chances while praising Henderson:
“It’s so frustrating to see Pino waste opportunities and make mistakes every game. Deano should stay for life.”
Henderson’s penalty heroics helped Palace beat Liverpool in the Community Shield last August. He also saved a spot-kick from Omar Marmoush in the famous FA Cup final victory against Manchester City at Wembley.
The Englishman has been at Selhurst Park since August 2023 and has become a club hero. Glasner will rely on him to maintain such performances during a difficult period for the Eagles.
