Crystal Palace vs Burnley: Julian Speroni is put on spot and saves Palace by instinct

Crystal Palace 0 Burnley 0

Julian Speroni saves Scott Arfield's penalty (Getty Images)

Julian Speroni had to rely on instinct as he faced a crucial penalty with six minutes to go against Burnley on Saturday; the Crystal Palace goalkeeper realised he knew nothing about Scott Arfield, who was about to take it.

“It was a surprise. We had a list of people who could take penalties for them, but he wasn’t one of them,” Speroni revealed. “We watch videos of who normally takes a penalty and you see if he likes to hit it hard or place it. But in the end, when the time comes, you have to make your own decision.”

Throwing up his left hand, the keeper pulled off a superb save, preventing a demoralising home defeat that would have left Palace bottom of the table. As it is, the goalless draw left them above Burnley – just – although both sides have yet to record a victory.

In suggesting “we knew we needed to win this game, especially at home,” Speroni was more ruthlessly realistic than manager Neil Warnock, who on his return to a welcoming Selhurst Park took the line that games against “the Burnleys” can be the toughest ones.

Crystal Palace 0 Burnley 0 match report

He may have to revise that opinion after Chelsea’s visit next month, but insisted: “Sometimes when you’re expected to win it feels more difficult and I don’t see that any of the top teams are unbeatable. I’m looking forward to them.”