Ayew makes case to be Hodgson’s main man

MAYBE Jordan Ayew’s ears were burning. With news that Crystal Palace were readying a new bid for Michy Batshuayi, Ayew produced a late finish of uncommon composure. The Palace striker (below) controlled Patrick van Aanholt’s errant shot with one touch, then sent the ball past Rui Patricio with his second. It was Ayew’s first goal of the season and, coming seven minutes before the end, was well timed. It set up Palace for victory at Wolves, who were curiously off the pace after their thrilling win at Tottenham last time out. And the home side’s collapse was complete when Wilfred Zaha drew a foul from Ryan Bennett and Luka Milivojevic hammered in from the spot with the final kick of the game. The first half was dreadful. Wolves defender Willy Boly let Andros Townsend steal in and set up Luka Milivojevic, whose shot from 18 yards was tipped over by Rui Patricio. At the other end, Boly missed a free header at a corner and Matt Doherty nodded over at the far post. The half was summed when Mamadou Sakho seemed confused with a Van Aanholt free-kick, almost ducking and heading well wide. After the break, Wolves midfielder Jonny Otto shot deep into the South Bank behind and Ayew also fired over. Luckily the Ghanaian found more composure soon after.

WOLVES (3-4-3): Patricio 7; Bennett 7, Coady 7, Boly 5; Doherty 7, Moutinho 6, Saiss 6 (Neves 73min, 6), Jonny 6.5; Costa 6 (GibbsWhite 64, 6), Jimenez 6, Cavaleiro 6 (Traore 84). Subs not used: Ruddy, Vinagre, Dendoncker, Bonatini. Booked: Boly, Saiss, Bennett, Jonny. Manager: Nuno Espirito Santo 6. CRYSTAL PALACE (4-3-3): Guaita 6; WanBissaka 7, Tomkins 6.5, Sakho 7, Van Aanholt 7; Kouyate 6, Milivojevic 6, McArthur 5; Townsend 7.5, Ayew 5 (Wickham 88), Zaha 6. Subs not used: Hennessey, Ward, Meyer, Schlupp, Kelly, Riedewald. Scorers: Ayew 83, Milivojevic 90+4 pen. Booked: Milivojevic. Manager: Roy Hodgson 6. Referee: Roger East 8. Attendance: 30,666.