Evann Guessand’s 90th-minute goal earned Crystal Palace a vital 1-0 Premier League win over 10-man Wolves at Selhurst Park.
Crystal Palace claimed a much-needed 1-0 Premier League victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Selhurst Park. The decisive moment arrived in the final minute. Substitute Evann Guessand scored his first league goal for the club. The result eased pressure on manager Oliver Glasner after a difficult run.
Palace entered the match having won just once in 15 games. Fan frustration was visible before kick-off. Wolves, rooted to the bottom, played with freedom early on. The opening exchanges set a tense tone.
Wolves looked sharper in the first half and created the better chances. Jean-Ricner Bellegarde forced two saves from Dean Henderson. Palace struggled to progress the ball through midfield. Their attacks often broke down in wide areas.
The visitors were handed a golden chance in the 41st minute. Adam Wharton fouled Matheus Mane inside the area. Tolu Arokodare stepped up from the spot. His low effort was saved by Henderson diving to his left.
Henderson’s intervention shifted momentum slightly before half-time. It was his fifth penalty save in the Premier League. Palace reached the interval level despite being second best. Selhurst Park responded with cautious encouragement.
Palace’s few first-half openings came from Wolves errors. Yeremy Pino lobbed wide after a poor backpass. He also struck the post from a corner routine. Wolves, though, still looked the more coherent side.
The game turned on the hour mark. Ladislav Krejčí was sent off after two bookings in four minutes. His second caution came for kicking the ball away. Wolves were suddenly down to 10 men.
Palace enjoyed more possession after the dismissal. However, clear chances remained scarce. The tempo dropped as Wolves defended deep. Frustration grew among the home support.
Glasner turned to his bench late on. Guessand was introduced alongside Brennan Johnson to add energy in the final third. Palace continued to probe without penetration. Wolves looked set to hold on.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 90th minute. Tyrick Mitchell surged down the left and cut the ball back. Guessand slid in at the near post to finish. Selhurst Park erupted in relief.
The statistics underlined how close the game was. Wolves attempted 14 shots to Palace’s 12. The visitors edged expected goals at 1.68 to 1.67. Palace benefited from key moments at both ends.
Henderson was the standout performer. His penalty save kept Palace alive. Guessand’s late strike made the difference. Wolves paid the price for missed opportunities.
Henderson’s save before half-time was pivotal. Krejčí’s dismissal altered the balance. Guessand seized his moment from the bench. Mitchell also impressed with his decisive assist.
Palace move up to 13th on 35 points, easing relegation fears. They host Zrinjski Mostar in the Conference League on Thursday. A league trip to Manchester United follows on Sunday. Wolves face Aston Villa at home in a Midlands derby as their survival battle continues.
