A fifty ninth minute penalty
from Mile Jedinak gave Palace victory in this London derby at West Ham United.
It puts Crystal Palace six points above their London rivals making it
mathematically impossible for Palace to be relegated this season. Before the
match an emotional minutes applause took place to mark the untimely death of
Dylan Tombidas, West Ham United striker who died of cancer aged a mere twenty
years old.
The Hammers approached the
game in a direct style knocking long balls up striker Andy Carroll to limited
effect with little or no sign of a plan B or any variety in their play. Crystal
Palace on the other hand had the magic of a Jedi in their line up and had the
better of the chances with attractive pacey counter attacking football matching
West Ham United’s threat. KG Dikgacoi went close with a header cleared off the
line by Andy Carroll. Bolasie and Puncheon were dangerous on the flanks and it
was Palace who took the lead from the spot when Cameron Jerome was fouled by
Pablo Amero and Palace’s Jedi captain converted the spot kick.
This was a match short on
quality and clear cut chances. After the penalty substitute Joe Cole went close
for West Ham United and when Andy Carroll did outmuscle a well drilled Palace
defence led by Delaney and Dann he was foiled by the magnificently consistent
Julian Speroni. This result led to the travelling Palace fans singing the
praises of manager Tony Pulis upon Palace’s survival. West Ham United fans were
not so impressed with Sam Allardyce singing, ‘’you don’t know what you’re doing’’
at substitutions, and jeering the team off at fulltime.
Palace on the other hand took
the plaudits of their supporters upon the final whistle celebrating
mathematical safety with three games to spare. Indeed German style celebrations
with the fans met the final whistle and a sense of unity permeated around the
club, Palace fans celebrating safety for the first time in their Premier League
history. Crystal Palace return to Selhurst Park under no pressure to face two
massive games against Manchester City and potential Champions elect Liverpool
with Fulham away on the last day of the season.
Crystal Palace can enjoy
their last games of the season playing pressure free football with potential
revenge on the minds of the Palace players against Fulham for the Cottagers 1 –
4 victory at Selhurst Park earlier this season. Victory at the Cottage for
Palace could see Fulham relegated to the Championship. Victory for Palace over
West Ham United has seen Palace pick up five wins on the spin and fifteen
points from the last fifteen available. The best run for Crystal Palace in the
top flight since 1992/93.
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