Ismaila Sarr struck twice on his 27th birthday as Crystal Palace ended their two-month wait for a home victory with a thrilling performance, while Aston Villa’s Champions League hopes took a serious hit. Adam Wharton starred on his return from injury, orchestrating a dominant display that left Villa reeling.
It was a night when everything seemed to go Palace’s way, as Villa suffered their seventh defeat in their last nine away games. Oliver Glasner’s side, who have been formidable on the road, finally gave their home fans something to cheer about with a comprehensive win.
Villa initially fought their way back into the game early in the second half when Morgan Rogers equalized after having a previous goal disallowed for offside. However, Palace responded with a devastating attacking display, as Jean-Philippe Mateta restored their lead before Sarr completed his brace. Substitute Eddie Nketiah added a fourth in stoppage time to cap off a memorable night for the hosts.
The standout performer was Wharton, making his first start since undergoing groin surgery in October. The England midfielder pulled the strings in midfield and received a standing ovation when he was withdrawn late in the match. His return provided the creativity and control that had been missing for Palace, and he played a key role in their attacking play.
Villa manager Unai Emery made several bold selection choices, opting to match Palace’s three-at-the-back formation. Marcos Asensio and Marcus Rashford were left on the bench, despite their heroics in the previous match against Chelsea. As the game unfolded, Emery’s frustrations were clear as his team struggled to contain a resurgent Palace side.
The breakthrough arrived on the half-hour mark after Villa failed to clear a corner. Eberechi Eze’s cross found Wharton, who set up Chris Richards. His header was parried, but Sarr pounced on the rebound to fire home. The goal lifted Palace’s confidence, and they pressed forward relentlessly, with Villa’s defense stretched.
Rogers thought he had equalized just before halftime, but the goal was disallowed for offside in the buildup. The controversy added to Villa’s frustration, and there were further boos from their fans when goalkeeper Robin Olsen replaced Emiliano Martínez at halftime.
Olsen played a key role in Villa’s equalizer, launching a long ball that caught Palace’s defense off guard. Watkins flicked it on, and Rogers finished clinically. The visitors’ joy was short-lived, however, as Wharton and Eze combined brilliantly to set up Mateta, who smashed home his 12th Premier League goal of the season.
Emery responded by introducing Rashford and Asensio, but it was Palace who struck again. Sarr volleyed home Daniel Muñoz’s cross, sealing his brace and celebrating in style on his birthday. As Villa collapsed, Nketiah added a fourth in stoppage time, finishing from close range after a Tyrick Mitchell assist.
It was a statement win for Palace, who have struggled at home but finally gave their supporters something to celebrate. For Villa, it was another disappointing away performance, leaving their top-four hopes hanging in the balance.
