Crystal Palace 2-0 Bournemouth: Eberechi Eze double continues Roy Hodgson’s revival at Selhurst Park
In reality, with the season two weeks away from its peak and their side safe from relegation, in some ways you could forgive Crystal Palace if you thought sun and sea.
But of course, with veteran Roy Hodgson in charge, that wouldn’t be allowed. The 75-year-old is a childhood fan of the club. He knows how much it means to people of red and blue character.
However, it took a broken nose from Jefferson Lerma caused by Joachim Andersen to shake up the home side.
As a Michael Olise corner kick spread out of the area, Lerma was sprawled on the turf. Agony and a mark were both on his face. VAR Andy Madley was shown replays of Anderson’s fist making contact with Lerma for a potential red card for violent conduct.
It was a fast move with little lift to the rear, obscuring Andersen’s intent. That probably saved him, because the VAR found no wrongdoing. Bournemouth felt hurt. You might sympathize with how that is.
Eberechi Eze scored a double at Selhurst Park as the hosts cruised to victory against Bournemouth
Eze finished off a beautifully executed team goal to give his side the advantage
The result continues Roy Hodgson’s unbeaten record at Selhurst Park since his return to the club in March
The resulting mark on Lerma was noticeable – Anthony Joshua would have been proud – and he wasted no time showing referee Michael Salisbury at half-time.
Cherry manager Gary O’Neil confirmed he will speak with PGMOL chief Howard Webb about the matter.
He said, “Jefferson Lerma has a broken nose. It seemed like a pretty obvious slap in the face to me. I spoke to the referee on the field and I understand that there were many bodies and it was difficult for him to see them.
“The fact that we got the usual VAR check completely against us was a surprise. Quite a punch to Jeff’s face with a closed fist from the looks of it, so yeah, I’m disappointed.
“I’ll talk to him (Howard Webb) about it tomorrow. Jeff is clearly not happy about it. It’s important we discuss it.’
From there the floor was that of Ebere Eze. His first goal, minutes after the game’s most controversial moment, was a simple tap delivered by a contrived back spin and cross from captain Wilfried Zaha.
His second by the hour was due to the only magic in his boots. As the ball fell to him from 35 yards out, Eze shuffled over four defenders and planted it in the top right corner.
Most of the opposition backline either sat on their pants or looked back to see what had created a cacophony of noise – and an ‘Eze’s on fire’ chant to the tune of Gala’s ‘Freed From Desire’.
This was just 10 minutes into Palace’s only contraction of the match, Zaha going off with a pulled hamstring.
It felt like a king leaving the scene to make way for a prince-to-be. And marked his sixth goal in seven games.
Palace boss Hodgson continued to purr at both Eze and the side’s performance.
He said, ‘It’s what Eze’s added to his game, not what we added. He’s a very good student. He likes to pick up any information he gets. He deserves high praise. He’s scored six since I’ve been here. It’s an incredible achievement.’
Gary O’Neil’s side were lethargic and failed to register a single shot on target in the game
Eze continued his goalscoring form of late by doubling his side’s lead in the second half
About Zaha’s injury, he added, “Yes, I’m worried about him. I would have loved to have had him in the last two games. At the moment I can’t tell you if that’s going to happen or not, he will have to undergo a scan. With hamstring injuries you are always afraid that it will take a while.’
At the start of the game, the Cherries knew that barring an absolute miracle of unprecedented proportions – losing their next two games and beating Leicester Liverpool, Newcastle and West Ham – they will be in the Premier League next season.
Still, a point or three would have been very welcome from their perspective. Not that Palace would allow that, and a well-orchestrated display showed it.
Eze stole the show and the ball, and Olise shone in the wide channels with his trickery and speed.
The first chance came after nine minutes, when Tyrick Mitchell dispossessed Philip Billing to pass Zaha.
Billing ran back to his own penalty area and a tangle of legs ensued with Zaha. Not worth a penalty, but the winger was still furious.
Mitchell was a threat in Dango Ouattra’s eyes. The Burkina Faso striker could not avoid his opponent on the left wing. That opened up avenues for Zaha and reduced Bournemouth to fighting for scraps.
Palace’s best chance of the first half naturally fell to him. Another cross evaded the Cherries’ backline. Zaha had a free try on target. But inexplicably he was completely wrong, completely missing the ball from ten feet out.
The 24-year-old is now in double figures in the Premier League for the first time in his career
Bournemouth have now conceded 69 goals in the league this season – 32 more than they have scored
Before the half was over, Palace got their inevitable goal. Zaha swung back into the box to cross, leaving Eze with an open goal to aim for.
Eze completed his brace in the second half and Olise delivered a slew of menacing crosses into the opposition area which could have produced a third towards the end.
Not that more is needed when Eze is in shape.
Substitute Kieffer Moore headed over in the last 10 minutes as the Cherries went south London without a shot on target.