Wolverhampton Wanderers claimed their third consecutive home victory in the Premier League era with a solid 2-0 win against Crystal Palace at Molineux Stadium, marking Roy Hodgson’s first defeat since returning as the Eagles’ manager.
Crystal Palace aimed to achieve three straight Premier League clean sheets for the first time this season, but their ambitions were dashed within three minutes. Despite goalkeeper Sam Johnstone’s efforts to fend off a deflected Diego Costa strike, Wolves took an early lead when Joachim Andersen inadvertently turned Rúben Neves’ corner delivery into his own net.
As the first half drew to a close, Palace nearly equalized through a well-executed play. Albert Sambi Lokonga’s powerful shot was thwarted by an impressive reaction save from Wolves’ goalkeeper José Sá. The second half saw Palace dominate possession, but their best chance came from an Eberechi Eze attempt, which was tipped over by an agile Sá.
Wolves secured their victory in stoppage time when Neves converted a penalty after Johnstone fouled Pedro Neto in the box. The win brings Wolves and Palace level on 37 points, placing both teams comfortably nine points above the relegation zone.
Man of the Match -José Sá – Wolves
