ZAHA ZINGER LIFTS EAGLES

Wilf saves the day after Maupay makes Hodgson’s boys pay

WILF ZAHA netted another stunner against Brighton to steal a draw in Roy Hodgson’s 100th match as Crystal Palace boss.

Neal Maupay had given the Seagulls a deserved lead after the break with a magnificent seventh goal of his first Premier League season.

But Graham Potter’s stylish side – with Aaron Mooy and Davy Propper outstanding – were not able to extend their lead despite dominating both possession and chances.

And Zaha, who netted twice at the Amex Stadium in the 2013 play-off semi-finals the last time Palace were promoted, proved to be Brighton’s bogeyman again to spark a one-sided M23 derby into life.

Picking up a fine cross-field pass from Martin Kelly, the Ivory Coast winger skinned Martin Montoya before rifling a left-footed shot into the top corner of the net after 76 minutes.

After getting booed off at half-time and not registering a shot on target until the 70th minute, Palace finished the match on top and pushing for an unlikely winner.

It was a remarkable transformation but proved too late to gain a win that would have moved them level on points with sixth-placed Manchester United.

Brighton reach the 20-point mark before Christmas but remain 13th – five points clear of the drop zone.

Palace owner Steve Parish had revealed in his programme notes that he has written to the Premier League to complain about Zaha’s rough treatment at Watford last week. He also called for a review of the use of VAR to allow yellow cards to be rescinded.

But it was Palace who benefitted from the controversial technology during a dreadful opening 45 minutes.

Brighton relentlessly targeted Jairo Riedewald, who was making his first Premier League start since February 2018 in the unfamiliar left-back role.

Propper found the recalled Montoya, who went down under a challenge from the Dutch defender, but still got a shot on goal.

The VAR review from Martin Atkinson ruled that Montoya was onside and there was not a clear error from the inconclusive replay. Vicente Guaita made a string of solid saves in the opening 45 minutes, while his opposite number Mat Ryan was untroubled.

Hodgson responded by sending on James Mccarthy for Riedewald, with James Mcarthur moving to left-back.

Christian Benteke hit the post with a cross after the break, but after 54 minutes Brighton finally took the lead.

Yves Bissouma picked out Leandro Trossard with a superb pass and the Belgian volleyed his cross into the box for Maupay to smash home.

Then up popped Zaha to do his stuff and save the day for Roy.

BELTER Zaha’s wonder strike is enough to cancel out Maupay‘s goal for the visitors