Crystal Palace bounced again from consecutive defeats as first-half targets from Jordan Ayew and Eberechi Eze have been sufficient to sink Bournemouth in entrance of the membership’s new homeowners Bill Foley and Michael B Jordan.
Both targets got here from set items as Palace punished Bournemouth for slack protecting with Ayew nodding in a nook from Michael Olise, who additionally arrange Eze for the second one.
American businessman Foley and actor Jordan, who purchased the membership from Maxim Demin in a deal in way over £100m previous in December, have been presented onto the pitch ahead of kick-off however the sprinkle of Hollywood stardust did little to boost Gary O’Neil’s aspect. .
“It’s the first time since I’ve taken charge that we’ve fallen well below the standards that we’ve set,” O’Neil stated. “I’m livid in regards to the targets. Defending set-plays has been a factor we now have struggled with all season however they have been avoidable as of late.
“I’m now not searching for excuses. I take complete duty. It can’t seem like that within the Premier League as a result of it is ruthless.”
Both sides paid tribute to Pelé with a minute’s applause before the action got under way in atrocious conditions. Palace had an early opportunity when the ball fell to Jeffrey Schlupp inside the area but his effort was directed well wide of the left-hand upright.
The visitors took the lead after 19 minutes when Ayew rose highest to meet Olise’s corner and cushioned a header into the bottom corner from the edge of the six-yard box.
Olise used to be virtually the supplier once more when he drove the ball around the face of purpose from the best however used to be not able to discover a teammate so as to add the crowning glory.
Palace extended their lead after 36 minutes from another Olise corner. This time it was Eze who made Bournemouth pay for slack defending as he curled a right-footed shot past Mark Travers from 12 yards.
It was only the second time this season Palace had gone into the second half with a two-goal cushion.
The rain eased after the restart but there was no respite for the home fans as Bournemouth were unable to force their way back into the contest.
Vicente Guaita did survive several Bournemouth attempts in a goalmouth scramble while at the other end Travers blocked Eze’s free-kick and Jean-Philippe Mateta failed to hit the target after being picked out by Schlupp.
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Guaita was forced to make a rare save to deny Siriki Dembélé as Bournemouth failed to score for the third game since the resumption of domestic football following the World Cup before Wilfried Zaha skied a late effort.
Palace manager Patrick Vieira was delighted with the manner in which his side responded to the 3–0 home defeat to Fulham on Boxing Day. “It used to be a in point of fact excellent staff efficiency,” Vieira said. “We were aggressive, we were disciplined and when we had possession we showed some quality.
“I didn’t believe we were the worst team after the game against Fulham and I still don’t think we have the best team after today. I invite everyone to be a bit more consistent in their emotions and to control their emotions.”
