sábado, 27 de fevereiro de 2016

West Brom 3-2 Crystal Palace: Baggies survive Eagles fightback in Hawthorns thriller – 5 things we learned

Resultado de imagem para flag englandResultado de imagem para premier league

Tony Pulis got one over on his former employers despite Connor Wickham's second-half brace for the visitors


West Brom held on for a thrilling win at The Hawthorns after Connor Wickham led a stirring Palace fightback.
But this latest defeat sees Alan Pardew's side slipping slowly towards the relegation zone after a tenth consecutive Premier League game without a win.
Facing his former club, Tony Pulis' side were three goals up after only 30 minutes through goals from Craig Gardner, Craig Dawson and a stunning volley from Saido Berahino. And Gardner hit the post with a deflected free kick in first-half injury time the Baggies seemed set to romp to their biggest win of the season..
But the half-time introduction of Yannick Bolassie lifted the visiting side and Wickham pulled a goal back after 48 minutes. Berahino then hit the corner of the post and bar with a shot on a counterattack before Wickham scored his second after 80 minutes – and then sub Mile Jedinak had a header cleared off the line by Gardner.
All of Albion's previous eight Premier League wins this season have also been by a single goal.
The win lifts Albion above Palace into 13 place and 11 points clear of the drop zone with 11 matches remaining. Wickham, whose season has been dogged by injury and suspension, had scored only one Premier League goal before tonight.
Here are five things that we learned:

1. That's entertainment

There have been growing grumblings of discontent over Albion's playing style – and the FA Cup defeat at Reading. And before today only Villa (20) had scored fewer goals (24). But the front two of Salomon Rondon and Saido Berahino – supported by Stephane Sessegnon and Craig Gardner down the flanks – looked like scoring on every attack.

Action Images via Reuters / Ed SykesCraig Dawson celebrates scoring the second goal with team mates
Three and not so easy: The Baggies were superb in the first half

2. Palace now need the FA Cup to save their season

The Eagles won't get relegated this season but they are going nowhere very fast. From competing for a European place in the autumn, victory over Reading in the FA Cup quarter-final is now a must. As will two more league wins. Until then, Alan Pardew will have to wait to sign his new contract.

Nigel Roddis/GettyConnor Wickham celebrates scoring Crystal Palace's first goal
Bright spark: At least Wickham gave the fans something to cheer

3. A fit and firing Berahino makes such a difference

West Brom fans were already singing his name after yesterday's mea culpa interview about his “mistake” of threatening to stop playing last summer. Berahino's super volley from Sessegnon's cross showed what they have been missing this season.

Action Images via Reuters / Ed SykesSaido Berahino celebrates scoring the third goal with Salomon Rondon
Back in the groove: Berahino was impressive once again

4. Palace still yet to win a Premier League game with Adebayor

The former Arsenal and Real Madrid striker, a short-term signing in January, looked like he would be somewhere more glamorous during a laborious first half before he was hooked at the break. Palace have also yet to win since Yannick Bolassie suffered his injury on December 19 – and he has yet to start a Premier League match since.

Tony Marshall/GettyEmmanuel Adebayor and Claudio Yacob compete for the ball
Not happening: Adebayor was hooked at the break

5. It has not been a great week for Brunt

The Northern Ireland star was hit in the face with a coin at Reading last week and was stretchered off in the first half after being fouled by Wilfried Zaha.

Tony Marshall/GettyChris Brunt competes for the ball against Wilfried Zaha resulting in injury
Ouch: Brunt goes down in the first half...


Tony Marshall/GettyChris Brunt is taken off by a stretcher after injury
...and was taken off on a stretcher

Teams

West Brom : Foster, Dawson, McAuley, Olsson, Brunt (Chester), Yacob, Gardner, Fletcher, Berahino, Sessegnon (McClean), Rondon (Sandro)
Crystal Palace : Hennessey, Kelly, Dann, Delaney, Ward, Zaha, Ledley (Jedinak), Cabaye (Gayle), Mutch, Wickham, Adebayor (Bolasie)

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