Mad for it
ZAHA’S CELEBRATION VOW
WILFRIED ZAHA and VAR saw off Wolves to give Crystal Palace back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time this season.
It looked as if the impressive Patrick Vieira and his side might be heading for a damaging seventh draw until the Eagles’ talisman and the technology took a hand.
The Ivory Coast winger has been in the news over his uncertain international future with The Elephants.
But should he stop playing for his country, it can only benefit Palace.
Zaha had the ball in the net after 61 minutes but celebrations were cut short by linesman Peter Kirkup’s offside flag.
However a VAR check saw cheers ring round the ground as the goal was awarded.
“VAR is part of the game now,” said Zaha. “I have to remember not to celebrate like a madman until the goal is given.”
Another VAR check controversially decided there should be no penalty for Wolves – as awarded by Graham Scott – for Joel Ward’s challenge on Rayan Ait-Nouri.
The dubious decision was that it was a clear and obvious error, and a free-kick outside the area was given instead.
But Conor Gallagher’s deflected goal after 78 minutes then meant it was the same result, scoreline and goalscorers as last week at Manchester City.
That is four goals this season for both Zaha and Gallagher.
Vieira said: “We showed that as a team we are moving forward, defending well, keeping a clean sheet and creating chances. It was a really good performance against a good team, as we know Wolves are dangerous.
“I have not set Wilf any specific target but I want more goals and assists from him as he is capable of it.
“He is one of our leaders on the field and with that comes responsibility. Conor is in a really good period, closing down the opposition and also scoring goals so I am very pleased with how he is doing.”
The Eagles know only too well how draws have been harming their progress and roared on by the Selhurst Park crowd they went looking for the breakthrough as the game edged towards the hour mark.
Zaha delivered the goal – eventually awarded by VAR – in dramatic fashion after being put through by James McArthur.
Eight minutes later Wolves were given a penalty for Ward’s clumsy lunge at Ait-Nouri by Scott – but again VAR came to Palace’s rescue.
And after 78 minutes the home side sealed the win when Gallagher, on loan from Chelsea, saw his shot from the edge of the area take a deflection off Conor Coady to leave Jose Sa flat-footed.
It was a first defeat in six games for Wolves who, leaving VAR aside, were below their best.
Head coach Bruno Lage said: “I am disappointed that we lost duels at both ends of the pitch.”