Crystal Palace beat 10-man Wolves as Guessand grabs late winner
Evann Guessand scored a dramatic late winner to earn Crystal Palace a vital victory over 10-man Wolves and ease the mounting pressure on manager Oliver Glasner.
The forward struck in the final minute of normal time at Selhurst Park to secure his first goal for the club.
Victory lifts a sour mood in south London, with the hosts having won just one of their previous 15 matches across all competitions prior to kick-off.
Henderson heroics and Krejci dismissal
While Guessand provided the decisive moment, Crystal Palace were indebted to their captain for keeping them in the contest during the first half.
Dean Henderson guessed correctly to dive to his left and save Tolu Arokodare’s 43rd-minute penalty.
The spot-kick had been awarded following a VAR check on a challenge by Adam Wharton, but the England goalkeeper ensured the sides went into the break level.
The dynamic of the match shifted significantly just after the hour mark when the visitors were reduced to 10 men.
Ladislav Krejci received a second yellow card for kicking the ball away, having been booked for the first time just moments earlier.
Toxic atmosphere at Selhurst Park
The three points provide much-needed respite for Glasner, who entered the fixture facing intense scrutiny from the stands.
Supporters in the Holmesdale Road end displayed a banner reading “opportunities missed – board inept” and “Glasner finished”.
Fans also used a break in play to chant about “staying humble”, mocking comments made by the Austrian boss following a disappointing midweek draw in the Conference League.
Glasner had challenged the fanbase to remain grounded, suggesting that critical supporters were “not humble anymore”.
Eagles squander early chances
Before the late drama, the Eagles had struggled to capitalise on their opportunities.
Yeremy Pino wasted a glorious opening early on, intercepting a loose back pass from Yerson Mosquera only to completely misdirect his lob.
The Spain international later clipped the post after being teed up by Wharton from a short corner routine.
Wolves defended resolutely following the red card, but their resistance was finally broken by Guessand’s late intervention.