Ayew inflicts a ‘sore’ loss on rivals Palace
Graham Potter thought Brighton were the better side as they continued their dismal start to 2020 with a “sore” derby defeat to Crystal Palace.
Albion remain the only club in the top four divisions without a victory this calendar year following a disappointing 1-0 home loss.
Jordan Ayew’s 70th-minute strike settled the south-coast clash in the Eagles’ favour to leave the Seagulls with a solitary success from 14 games in all competitions.
“I thought we were on top of the game, I thought we were the better team,” he said.
“They didn’t do too much to get their goal, which is disappointing, and against the run of play.
“We did enough in the game to get something. It’s a sore one for us.”
Palace boss Roy Hodgson, who is poised for contract extension talks next week, praised the crucial contribution of Ayew as the visitors took another significant step towards safety.
“Last year, he did a great job when he was on loan. We made that loan permanent at the start of the season because we knew what he could do,” said Hodgson.
“He’s scored a large proportion of our goals and still contributing to the team in so many other ways.”
David Moyes is determined to keep the pressure off Jarrod Bowen despite the £20million winger’s sparkling full debut.
Bowen, the deadlineday signing from Hull, scored the opening goal and put in a fine performance as the Hammers swept aside Southampton 3-1.
The 23-year-old was named man of the match after the victory that lifted West Ham out of the relegation zone.
But despite his immediate impact, Moyes insists Bowen should not be viewed as the player who will fire them to survival.
“Jarrod scored a great goal and for his full debut he did very well,” said the Hammers boss.
“I don’t want him to have the pressure to be the one who has to perform.”
Bowen showed real composure to lift the ball over Saints keeper Alex McCarthy and record signing Sebastien Haller restored their lead, following Michael Obafemi’s equaliser, with a superb piece of improvisation.
Michail Antonio added the third when he raced onto Pablo Fornals’ ball over the top and fired home.
Marcos Alonso scored twice to earn Chelsea a point in a 2-2 draw at Bournemouth.
The Spaniard opened the scoring after 33 minutes, but goals from Jefferson Lerma and Josha King in a threeminute spell after the break put the Cherries ahead.
Alonso struck five minutes from time to rescue a point and boss Frank Lampard moaned: “We’ve created a lot again, but we need to stick the ball in the back of the net.”