Premier League, Selhurst Park - Crystal Palace 2 (Bolasie 68', Cabaye 89') West Bromwich Albion 0
Wilfried Zaha produced a masterclass in wing play as Crystal Palace enjoyed a one-sided 2-0 win over West Bromwich Albion to move third top of the table.
A header from Yannick Bolasie on 68 minutes and a penalty from Yohan Cabaye on 89 minutes - prompted by a lateChris Brunt challenge on the outstanding Zaha - earned Alan Pardew's side a merited victory after a dominant display.
West Brom conceded their first goals away from home in the Premier League, but were fortunate to escape Selhurst Park having conceding only two with Palace having 21 attempts at goal compared to only seven from the visitors.
Zaha was in the sort of form that saw him move toManchester United a few seasons ago, and will surely earn a spot in Roy Hodgson's England squad on this form. He tortured Brunt all afternoon, and was unfortunate not to find the net.
Palace have the same points total as Manchester City on 15 and are only one point behind leaders Manchester United after this win while West Brom remain on eight points from eight games after back-to-back defeats to Everton and Palace.
The nature of this loss is the most concerning issue of the afternoon for West Brom, who were rarely seen as an attacking force as Tony Pulis enjoyed an unhappy return to his old club.
Yohan Cabaye scores a penalty for Crystal Palace against West Brom - Reuters
KEY MOMENTS
32’ - SAVE! Cabaye with a blistering hit from 30 yards. Straight into the arms of Myhill after Brunt had did well to cover back to head clear the Souaré cross.
37' - SAVE! Zaha goes beyond Brunt again. Some stunning wing play. Fires the shot at goal, but Myhill stands tall to make a solid stop at his near post.
41' - MORE ZAHA SKILL! Some excellent stuff from Zaha again. Torturing Brunt out wide. Fires a shot at goal, but Myhill stands tall to make another impressive stop.
68' GOAL! Bolasie with the header at the back post from the Cabaye cross. Lovely cross from Cabaye. And that is a fine finish. A 1-0 lead for Palace. Finally.
87' - PENALTY TO PALACE! Late challenge by Brunt on Zaha. Sums up his day really. Can have few complaints about that.
89' - GOAL! Cabaye sends Myhill the wrong way from the penalty spot. Superb finish from the spot-kick. And that is that. A 2-0 lead for Palace.
Yannick Bolasie heads Crystal Palace into the lead - Reuters
KEY STATS
Crystal Palace win five of their first eight matches of a top flight season for the first time.
Yohan Cabaye have scored his last three penalties in the Premier League. His last three penalties in the Ligue 1 were all saved by the keeper.
Crystal Palace have now converted 10 of their last 11 Premier League penalties.
Yohan Cabaye scores his first PL home goal since Boxing Day 2013 when he found the net for Newcastle United in a 5-1 win against Stoke City.
West Bromwich Albion have conceded their first Premier League away goal in 391 minutes, since Theo Walcott scored his third goal on 24 May 2015.
Infostrada
TALKING POINT: Is Crystal Palace's strong start to the season a fluke? Doesn't look like it. They are a very exciting side to watch with Zaha and Bolasie offering as much of an attacking threat as anything else in the Premier League. What is the aim for Palace this season? It must be top six surely on this evidence, and even top four shouldn't be viewed as out of the question. Alan Pardew feels fifth is not ridiculous. And no wonder. They are that good when on song.
Crystal Palace's Brede Hangeland challenges Salomon Rondon - Reuters
MAN OF THE MATCH
Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace): Just a joy to watch with his pace and individual brilliance out wide the key ingredient to all that was good about the home side. Let poor Chris Brunt a merry dance, and was desperately unfortunate not to score. Good news for Palace, but will also be of great benefit to England coach Roy Hodgson.
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