Palace Secure Point: Guéhi Scores in Draw Against Wolves
Crystal Palace salvaged a crucial point at Molineux, with Wilfried Zaha's late penalty cancelling out Matheus Cunha's opener for Wolves. The Eagles, despite dominating possession, struggled to break down a stubborn Wolves defense until the final moments. However, a vital goal from Marc Guéhi in the first half ensured Palace left the Black Country with something to show for their efforts.
Guéhi's Header Gives Palace the Lead
The first half was a tense affair, with both sides struggling to create clear-cut chances. It was Palace who struck first, in the 28th minute. A corner from Michael Olise found the head of Guéhi, who rose highest to power a header past José Sá. This was a moment of individual brilliance from the defender, showcasing his aerial prowess and ability to find the back of the net.
Cunha's Equalizer Stings Palace
Wolves responded well to going behind, and they were rewarded for their persistence in the 62nd minute. A swift counter-attack led to Cunha finding the back of the net with a deft finish. This goal injected renewed energy into the home side, and they pressed for a winner. However, Palace held firm and managed to salvage a point.
Zaha's Late Penalty Secures a Draw
Just as it looked like Wolves were destined for victory, Palace were awarded a penalty in the 88th minute. A foul on Eberechi Eze in the box gave Zaha the chance to equalize, and the Ivorian made no mistake. He sent Sá the wrong way with a powerful strike, securing a much-needed point for the Eagles.
A Point Earned, but Questions Remain
While Palace will be relieved to have secured a draw, there are still concerns about their attacking potency. They struggled to create clear-cut chances for long periods, and they owe a lot to Guéhi's goal and Zaha's penalty. This result means Palace remain in 12th place in the Premier League table, but they'll need to improve their overall performance if they want to challenge for a European spot.
Key Takeaways:
- Marc Guéhi continues to be a crucial player for Palace, showcasing his defensive prowess and ability to score goals.
- Wilfried Zaha's penalty in the dying minutes salvaged a valuable point for the Eagles.
- Palace need to improve their attacking output, particularly against stubborn defenses.
This draw against Wolves was a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the Premier League. Palace will be looking to build on this point as they head into a busy period of fixtures.