Magical Zaha gives Dyche cause for concern
PEP GUARDIOLA pumped his fist on the touchline as the final whistle blew on yet another triumph for his all-conquering Manchester City side. But the mood of the moment was relief, than rather joy. Relief that a calculated gamble to rest a clutch of key players had paid off, relief that Bournemouth could not sustain a challenge that alarmed City in the opening period, and relief at the outcome that the champions stand five points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
There was some joy, too; certainly in the magical third and clinching goal scored by Ilkay Gundogan but created by the skills of David Silva and Leroy Sane.
Guardiola loved that moment, just as he hated some of City’s sloppy football earlier in the match.
The sound of discontent has rarely been heard at the Etihad Stadium in recent times but there was no disguising the frustration of the City crowd in the minutes before half-time yesterday.
They couldn’t believe their eyes at times as City succumbed to complacency and Bournemouth played with intelligence and verve.
Guardiola was similarly dismayed – waving windmill arms on the touchline and crouching down on his haunches in perplexed disgust at the performance of his team.
Perhaps the cause was an early goal for City, lulling them into a false sense that the match would be a doddle even with their mostly second-string lineup shorn of regulars like Sergio Aguero and Kyle Walker.
It came in the 16th minute when full-back Oleksandr Zinchenko flighted a ball over the top of the Bournemouth defence into the path of Sane. The initial attempt was saved but the loose ball fell to Bernardo Silva, who lashed it home.
Bournemouth had come with a strategy of deep defence and trying to threaten on counter-attacks. The longer the first half progressed the more they embarrassed City with their poise and purpose.
The newest England striker, Callum Wilson, had one header well saved by City keeper Ederson, and it was no surprise when Bournemouth equalised just before the break.
Wilson scored the goal with a powerful header, out-jumping the ineffective Danilo after good work by Lewis Cook and Simon Francis.
It was only the sixth goal conceded in the Premier League by City this season, and probably the most alarming in nature.
Half-time brought a pep talk for the home side, or more likely a fierce sermon from Professor Pep.
Guardiola said: “In the last 20 minutes of the first half we were flat. But that is normal because we play lot of competitions and a lot of games, that’s why I am IT will never be a goal of the season contender, but Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson admits he will dream of it for years to come.
James McArthur’s low 16th-minute cross drifted into Burnley’s goal and lit the touch-paper for Palace’s first home victory of the season.
Andros Townsend’s 77th-minute strike that sealed the win was as stunning as the opener was nondescript – a 20-yard thunderbolt that whistled past keeper Joe Hart.
Hodgson said of McArthur’s effort: “I’ve seen those goals go in before but this was special. I am sure only an old curmudgeon will deny us this moment. I was getting concerned about the result because of the chances we have had and they didn’t go in.
“As for Andros’ goal, I have seen him do that so many times so it was not a surprise.”
Palace had 29 shots on goal and won at a canter. It could have been more but for the Hart’s acrobatics. It means Burnley, without a win in seven games, have the worst away record in the division.
You hope, however, Burnley’s board don’t panic and jettison Sean Dyche. Few could have achieved what he has done.
The Burnley boss said: “The best side won. No question. We have lost the eye of the tiger, a bit like a boxer. We’ve softened and need to toughen up again.”
The mercurial Wilfried Zaha was simply stunning. It’s one of football’s great mysteries how Palace – and we are being kind here to a longstanding, respected cub – can keep a player like him.
He is zones ahead of colleagues and most rivals – all tricks and menace. He was Sir Alex Ferguson’s last signing for Manchester United and few would doubt his wise head or eyes. Whoever made the decision to let him go should forever hold his head in shame.
How United would love him now.
Crystal Palace 2 Burnley 0 Tony Stenson