Their talisman and captain back in the lineup, their hosts reduced to 10 and their frontmen on well-oiled form, Crystal Palace emphatically took their chance to bury recent ghosts with a dominant, free-flowing victory against West Bromwich Albion.
Summary
- Roy Hodgson makes three changes to his lineup, starting Wilfried Zaha, Luka Milivojeviu0107 and Christian Benteke
- After a strong start, Palace take the lead when Darnell Furlong turns into his own net on the end of Zaha’s cross
- The Baggies respond well, Furlong striking the crossbar in one of several attacks
- Eventually, they find the net through Connor Gallagher
- Minutes later, Matheus Pereira sees red for violent conduct against Patrick van Aanholt; VAR advising Paul Tierney to review the monitor on the decision
- Half-time: West Bromwich Albion 1-1 Crystal Palace
- Palace start the second-half strongly and enjoy chance after chance
- Zaha capitalises on this dominance with a sensational goal to regain the lead
- Benteke makes it three as he heads in Van Aanholt’s smart chip
- Eberechi Eze links up smartly with Benteke before feeding Zaha, who uses the edge of his boot to net Palace’s fourth
- Four becomes five away from home for the first time in Palace's top-flight history, Benteke striking home on the turn
- Full-time: West Bromwich Albion 1-5 Crystal Palace
Perhaps signposting their desire to regain form, Palace began the clash on the front foot; with the ball zipping across the turf between red and blue bodies.