Big Sam’s squad move 6 points clear of the relegation zone after beating visitors Arsenal 3-0.
Crystal Palace upset an already frustrated Arsenal side that have now lost 4 consecutive away games in the Premier League. Andros Townsend was first to score in the opening 20 minutes with a close-range finish from Wilfried Zaha’s low cross. Crystal Palace were close to a second but the rebounded shot from Benteke was flagged off side and the goal disallowed.
Arsenal had more possession in the first half and had some god efforts on goal, but not much more could be said for the second half. The gunners didn’t manage a single shot on target, whereas Crystal Palace found the net twice; a looping shot from Yohen Cabaye put the eagles 2-0 up and a well-executed penalty from Luka Milivojevic finished off Wenger’s side.
With only 8 weeks left in the season, Arsenal are heading towards finishing outside of the top four; a position they haven’t found themselves in since 1995. This only puts more pressure on the Arsenal manager whose contract at the club ends this season. Wenger has received heavy criticism and negative reception at games from fans as “Wenger out” signs are becoming a familiar sight. The club has offered him another 2 years with them, but he hasn’t given any indication on whether he is going to stay.
Whilst one manager is battered with criticism, the other is hailed with praise. Sam Allardyce, who has previously saved clubs such as Bolton, Blackburn and Sunderland from going down, seems to be the master of relegation survival. His side deserved every point from last night’s game; they were quick to counter attack, their passing was accurate and their back four showed structure and discipline, much of which has stemmed from the arrival of Liverpool’s Mamadou Sakho who’s certainly come in and made his mark on the club and big Sam.
The win sees Crystal Palace secure their third consecutive home win and look to continue this streak against league winners, Leicester on Saturday.
Our boohooMAN of the match goes to Andros Townsend. He scored the opening goal, managed to win the penalty to secure a third and as the main man in Crystal Palace’s quick counter attacks.
