- Wolves hosted Crystal Palace at the Molineaux in the Premier League on Tuesday night
- Wolves are in the relegation battle and needed the points in their fight for survival
- A Ruben Neves penalty and a Crystal Palace own goal sealed all the points for the hosts
Joachim Andersen’s amusing own goal pushed Wolves to the verge of Premier League relegation.
The poor performance by the Crystal Palace defender, along with Ruben Neves’ late penalty, earned the hosts a 2-0 win and lifted them nine points above the relegation zone.
After a third straight home win without conceding, they are 13th, level on points with Palace.
It is a run that has provided Julen Lopetegui’s team with a platform to safety and, barring a late collapse should earn them a sixth consecutive season in the top tier.
Wolves players celebrate after Ruben Neves scored from the spot against Crystal Palace in a Premier League clash on Tuesday, April 25 2023. | PHOTO: Sky Sports |
Palace were no big shakes with their own status nearly assured, but Jose Sa still had to deny Albert Sambi Lokonga and Eberechi Eze.
The Eagles paid the price for allowing Wolves goals, falling to their first defeat since Roy Hodgson’s return last month.
It just took three minutes for the hosts to score their first goal, as Andersen provided one for the blooper reel.
Hugo Bueno set up Diego Costa for a smart stop from Sam Johnstone, but Wolves were unconcerned.
In the subsequent corner, Ruben Neves swung, it bounced, and Andersen failed to get his feet correct as it cannoned off his knee and across the line via the bar.
READ: Patrick Vieira sacked by Crystal Palace
With Wolves having won three of their previous four home games following what appeared to be a potentially devastating setback to Bournemouth at Molineux in February, a euphoric Molineux sensed safety.
Lokonga snuck into the box after being picked out by Michael Olise when Palace threatened, however briefly.
Palace’s relegation troubles were practically resolved after three victories and a tie since Hodgson’s return to Selhurst Park last month, and Wolves were on top.
However, when Palace gained a foothold and Eze shot at Sa, the energy began to wane.
Olise and Eze were finding space, and Wolves were grateful to Sa for preserving their advantage three minutes before halftime.
Will Hughes controlled Chris Richards’ drive to set up Lokonga from 10 yards, and Sa made a fantastic reflex save.
Palace were encouraged to make up for their slow start, but they struggled to make any meaningful inroads, and it took them until 17 minutes from the end to challenge the goalkeeper again.
This time, it was Eze’s turn to be disappointed, as Sa turned over his excellent 25-yard drive.
Wolves had failed to regain their early impetus, with just Craig Dawson’s header posing a threat, but it didn’t matter since Palace delivered them another gift in injury time.
Johnstone received the ball from a throw-in, but an erroneous touch sent the goalie dangerously lunging into the area on Pedro Neto. He was fortunate to avoid a red card but was beaten low from the spot by Neves to end the game.
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