Crystal Palace vs Sheffield United. Premier League.
Selhurst ParkAttendance25,170.
Report and highlights as Crystal Palace extend their winless run to seven games in all competitions
Sunday 2 February 2020 12:29, UK
A bizarre Vicente Guaita own-goal gifted Sheffield United a 1-0 victory against Crystal Palace, ending the Blades' winless away run in the Premier League.
United had barely had a shot when Guaita spilled a save from a corner, dropping the ball over his own line in an error that ultimately decided the game and ended the Blades' three-game run without a victory in top-flight away games.
But it was a miracle that both teams ended with 11 men. George Baldock was lucky to escape a second yellow card in the first period after tussling with Wilfried Zaha throughout the half before Joel Ward had a red card rescinded by VAR after a crunching tackle on Enda Stevens.
The win catapults United into fifth while Crystal Palace - who are now winless in seven games in all competitions - drop two places into 13th.
It took a while for the chances to come but when they did, it was all Palace with United not producing a single shot in the first half.
Returning after six weeks out, Christian Benteke showed a touch of rustiness when he hammered a shot into the side of the net in the 26th minute after a good run from Jordan Ayew. Not long after, James McArthur had a wonderful, curling effort but it ended up straight in Dean Henderson's hands.
United were lucky to end the half with a full complement of players. Baldock had been booked in the 18th minute after he kept manhandling Zaha, and was lucky to avoid a second yellow card in the 34th minute when he appeared to foul the forward on the touchline.
However, despite huge noise around Selhurst Park, referee Andy Madley did not produce another card nor did VAR intervene, with Baldock remaining on the field.
Palace went close twice just before half time. Zaha whipped a cross around a crowd of four United players - which forced a low, stretching leap from Henderson - but the incoming Ayew at the back post could not direct it home.
It was a similar story not long after as Ayew and Zaha once again linked up brilliantly on the left-hand side, with the former putting a fizzing cross into the area. Benteke stretched out his foot but it missed his toes by inches as the first half ended goalless.
The second period was a busier affair and 13 minutes in, the usually reliable Guaita made a calamitous error.
Oliver Norwood delivered a corner and it looked like the goalkeeper had made a high save. But he seemed to stumble as he landed and spilled the ball over the line, sending it well into the back of his own net.
It was an unfortunate error and the goal was given to the Blades after a check from goalline technology.
Despite its bizarre nature, the goal opened the game up and Guaita put some demons to rest with a sensational save a few minutes after his own goal, this time acrobatically pushing away a Norwood free-kick.
Not long after, Henderson denied McArthur from close range at the other end before James Tomkins headed agonisingly wide in what was Palace's best chance of an equaliser.
The hosts could have ended the game with ten men too. Joel Ward was dismayed to be shown a straight red card in the 72nd minute after a crunching tackle on Enda Stevens, but VAR intervened and referee Andy Madley went over to the monitor to review his decision - the second time it has been used at Selhurst Park this season. The red card was eventually rescinded with Ward's booking downgraded to a yellow.
Both sides pushed for the next goal as the game wore on, but United held on for their first Premier League victory in London in 20 attempts as Palace's poor recent run continued.
It was a welcome return for Christian Benteke up front, who has been a big part of the Palace injury crisis in recent months, but his work rate was second to none despite another defeat for his team.
He did show signs of rustiness having not played since 21 December, especially when he thrashed an attempted shot into the side of the net, but he was always lurking in the box to try and take advantage of the runs made by Zaha and Ayew. He linked up well with his attacking team-mates and also created for them too.
Using his height, he won a number of headers that sent Palace forward - especially in the first half - and he was given a rousing applause by the fans when he was substituted. They appreciated the amount of work that he put in and the only personal downside would be not scoring. He certainly deserved to.
Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson: "I am frustrated and disappointed, particularly for the players, but we needed that goal, especially in the first half where I thought we really did play well and we started the second half OK too.
"But from a corner kick, they score a goal which puts them in a good position because they have been there many times this season, leading 1-0 and they have a fantastic defensive record. You could see their confidence, which hadn't really been there in the first half and then we're in the desperation mode.
"We know we have to get back in it somehow and to get back in it means more chances and we had tiring players because they're coming back from long injuries and then Sheffield United with their composure and confidence are able to profit from that and then start to create chances of their own. We're thankful to our goalkeeper that they kept them out on two or three occasions.
"You don't have to be a football expert to know that it was a goalkeeping error and he was the first one when he came in after the game to put his hand up and apologise for it.
"But our point as a team was that he didn't have to apologise for anything. It's thanks to him that we are where we are. We've got 30 points from 25 games and without him and the work he's done, we would have far fewer points, so in actual fact, he owes us nothing and we own him an enormous debt.
"We are saddened that everyone will look at this not knowing how good he is or how much he has done for us and blame him, but nobody at the club will attach any blame to him. It's part of football and these things do happen. But the bottom line is we are in Vicente Guaita's debt."
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder: "We had to grind it out. I don't think it was great conditions for both teams, it was very windy and the pitch was dry, and we're up against a team who has done very well in the Premier League.
"They started the game with a high tempo, pressed us and did not allow us to get a foothold in the game, usually it's the other way around, their second half is usually their stronger half. We were delighted to go in at half-time with the scores level and it was fortuitous in the way we scored but after that, I was pleased with the shape of the team, the way they passed out and the chances we created.
"I thought everyone contributed today for a great team performance. Not a free flowing one football wise but when you you're looking for people to stand up to the challenge, I thought every one of them and the substitutes did that."
The first Premier League winter break starts next weekend, although Crystal Palace and Sheffield United will be in action with their break coming the weekend after. It's a trip to Everton for Crystal Palace on Saturday (kick-off 12.30pm) with Sheffield United hosting Bournemouth next Sunday (kick-off 2pm).
