Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction
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Crystal Palace’s slow drift into the Premier League relegation fight continued as Joachim Andersen’s own goal was enough to condemn them to a 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa.
Denmark defender Andersen turned a Matty Cash cross into his own net after 27 minutes and there was little sign of a fightback from Patrick Vieira’s side even before six minutes of madness from Cheick Doucoure saw him dismissed for two yellow cards early in the second half.
Unai Emery’s first victory over Palace keeps a Villa side once with relegation worries of their own in touch with the European battle, but though only one place separates these two clubs in the table it is a very different picture for Vieira.
The Frenchman insisted this week he does not fear the prospect of a relegation battle but he surely should as his side’s winless 2023 continued, leaving them only six points clear of the bottom three.
Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace
WATKINS MISSES! What a chance! A scorer in each of his last five Premier League appearances, Watkins is found following a strong run by Buendia. The forward is one-on-one with Guaita and has plenty of space, but sweeps the ball wide of the target.
Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace
Palace deal with the free-kick and, shortly after, look to get in behind the Villa defence. But Martinez is quickly out of goal to prevent Ayew from latching onto a neat throughball.
Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace
The home fans sing Watkins' name after the in-form striker embarks on a strong run down the left flank before drawing a foul from Ayew. The hosts have a free-kick in a decent position.
Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace
Going down in the box under pressure from Clyne, Ramsey looks in the direction of the referee. But any potential penalty appeals are quickly dismissed by the official.
Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace
Palace have been on top in the last few minutes as they seek an equaliser. Zaha cuts in from the left and lets fly from distance, but his effort is blocked and Villa are eventually awarded a free-kick.
Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace
Great persistance by Zaha culminates in another Palace corner. But once again, the visitors cannot capitalise with the Villa defence refusing to budge.
Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace
Palace have scored 43 per cent of their goals this season from set-pieces - a Premier League high. But the Eagles are yet to truly threaten so far as the corner comes to nothing.
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