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
The hosts look to make something happen down the right flank with Cash involved again. However, the Palace defence stands firm and eventually snuffs out the threat.
Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace
You can hear the relief of the home supporters at Villa Park, where the decibel levels have certainly increased since the deadlock was broken.
Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace
The hosts have won just one of their last six Premier League games at Villa Park, while suffering 4-2 defeats in each of their two most recent outings on home soil.
Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace
Still goalless at the midway point in the first half. Should they better Chelsea's result against Leeds today, Villa would climb into the top half of the Premier League.
Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace
That would have been a nervy moment for Villa, who have conceded 15 goals from set-pieces this season. Only Bournemouth (19) have let in more in the Premier League.
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