Football is football because of things like what happened at Villa Park. Unai Emery’s Aston Villa were destined to fall to Crystal Palace, but a fine goal from Colombian Jhon Duran and a controversial extra-time penalty gave Los Villanos three points.
The Birmingham team were in full control of the game but were about to be surprised by a Crystal Palace who were just within three points. John Duran, Douglas Luiz and Diaby managed to turn the tide when no one expected it. Emery doesn’t quite fit in at Villa but he continues to pick up wins, although if he wants to achieve big things with Los Villanos in the Premier League he still needs to improve considerably.
Villa didn’t start the game badly. He clearly dominated control of the game, but that was Crystal Palace’s plan, to leave all the weight of the game to the locals and wait for their opportunity. At the start of the game it was revealed that Roy Hogdson was unwell and was unable to lead his charges from the bench. He made it his second. The turning point came in the 35th minute when a great individual performance from Diaby ended in a goal. The TV pictures already predicted a very fair position and ultimately the VAR canceled the goal because of offside. Incomprehensibly, Villa suffered the setback as they didn’t quite wake up after the break. Crystal Palace sensed the fear and Edouard, who never forgives anyone, beat Draw Martínez in the 48th minute.
Emi Martínez saved her team
Everything pointed to a surprising defeat for Aston Villa. Even Eze had a chance to make it 0-2, which Dibu prevented with a great intervention. But those who forgive must pay for it in the end. Shortly afterwards, John Duran, disguised as a rescuer, scored a great goal that brought down the visitors’ wall. It was the start of total madness at the end of the game.
In the 98th minute, a controversial penalty from Chris Richards against Duran had to be reviewed by the referee for several minutes. Eventually he handed down the maximum penalty and the Palace dream was finally over. Douglas Luiz has not forgiven. Diaby put the finishing touches to a counterattack in the 111th minute. Take a deep breath, Emery, who has succeeded in the extreme.
Changes
Jean Philippe Mateta (24′, Jordan Ayew), Leon Bailey (56th minute, Nicolò Zaniolo), Youri Tielemans (57th minute, Boubacar Kamara), John Duran (70′, John McGinn), Naouirou Ahamada (89′, Odsonne Édouard), Leander Dendoncker (99′, Ollie Watkins), Jesurun Rak-Sakyi (99′, Cheick Doucouré)
Goals
0-1, 46′: Edward1-1, 86′: John Duran 2-1, 97′: Douglas Luiz3-1, 100′: Leon Bailey
cards
Referee: Darren England
VAR referees: Robert Jones, Ian Hussin
McGinn (16′, yellow) God protect you (16′, yellow) Nicolo Zaniolo (48′, yellow) Will Hughes (52′, yellow) Matthew Cash (85′, yellow) Joel Ward (99′,Yellow) Leon Bailey (103′, yellow) John Duran (104′, yellow)
