Evan Gesand’s 90th-minute goal gave Crystal Palace a 1-0 victory over Wolves 10-man side, easing uncertainty over manager Oliver Glasner’s future.
After Wolves defender Ladislav Kureishi was sent off for two bookings, substitute Gesand scored his first goal for Palace three minutes into the game, curling in Tyrick Mitchell’s cut-back.
The goal was Palace’s second win in 16 games in all competitions and came after Dean Henderson saved Tolu Alokodare’s penalty during a poor first half for the hosts.
Crystal Palace fans hold banners against club board and manager Oliver Glasner
Gesand’s winner lifted the mood at Selhurst Park. Fans had previously held up banners that read “Misplaced opportunity – the boards are incompetent” and “Fans are disrespected – Glasner is finished” following the manager’s comments in the pre-game press conference.
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Guesand breaks the deadlock by scoring Palace’s first goal against Wolves in the Premier League
The Eagles manager told fans to “be humble” after some turned on him during Thursday’s 1-1 draw with Zrinjski Mostar in the Conference League. His reception as he headed to Selhurst Park was largely positive, although there were some humorous chants of “One Nill for all the humble boys” from the home fans.
Yeremy Pino missed Palace’s biggest chance of the first half, scooping in vain from a poor backpass from Jelson Mosquera and hitting the post from a corner kick, but Wolves did well to overcome that with Arokodare and Mosquera closing in on goal from a corner kick.
The visitors then had a golden chance to take the lead when Adam Wharton converted a penalty for a foul on Matheus Mane, but Henderson got the right move and saved Alokodea’s weak spot-kick.
Despite this boost, and a second yellow card for Krejci for catching Ismaila Sarr and kicking the ball away just 3 minutes and 16 seconds earlier, Palace continued to struggle until Gesand came off the bench to be the hero of the day.
Daniel Muñoz and Hugo Bueno compete for the ball
The on-loan Aston Villa forward’s stunning goal took Palace to 35 points, 10 points from the drop zone, and handed bottom-placed Wolves their 20th Premier League defeat of the season.
Glasner denies disrespecting Palace fans
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner said in a press conference:
“There were a few boos, there were banners, and that’s totally fine. But I’m always going to say what I think and what I believe. I don’t think I’ve ever disrespected anyone.”
“This is why I am against it, because everyone who knows me has great respect for all people, regardless of their position, regardless of their skin color, regardless of their religion, regardless of everything.
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Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner responds to angry fans at press conference
“The fans might be disappointed, absolutely. We’re disappointed too. We’re frustrated. And I think I’m at the top because I’m very ambitious.”
“I always want to do more, more, more. And I said to the players, maybe I tried too hard. And I accept this criticism.”
“If the fans feel disrespected, they feel that way too. I didn’t mean to disrespect anyone, so maybe I took the wrong words.”
“But on the other hand, I always say what I think is right and I probably communicate that to my kids every week.
“Stay humble. Never forget where you come from.
“If anyone feels disrespected, I want to say I’m sorry, because I don’t want to disrespect anyone.”
Henderson celebrates ‘huge’ win amid ‘noise’
Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson told Sky Sports:
“I was very happy even though there was a lot of noise around me at the moment. I was nervous, but it was a very big three points.
“It was a big moment before half-time, but that’s my job and that’s what I have to do. It’s all about momentum and confidence. We needed to inject that and we did that today.”
“100 percent. If we can win on Thursday (in the conference league), it will be a big week for us.”
Edwards laments penalty miss and ‘inexplicable’ red penalty
Wolves manager Rob Edwards told Sky Sports:
“Those were two decisive moments. Missing the penalty can happen and the red card afterwards is inexplicable.
“We were great against 11 and really solid against 10. We just switched off for a second and didn’t do anything.
“Ultimately, as a group, we’re going to own it and win. Beneath that, there’s a lot for us to learn. In key parts of the game, there were a lot of good things. We were the better team.”
Regarding Krejci’s red card, Edwards added in a press conference: “He has to learn. It’s frustrating, but he can’t do it. He was great for us, but it cost us. I can’t defend it.”
