Aston Villa leave it late to beat Crystal Palace as Roy Hodgson misses match
Douglas Luiz put Aston Villa ahead deep into added time (Barrington Coombs/PA)
Aston Villa scored two stoppage-time goals to complete a late turnaround as they won 3-1 against Crystal Palace, who were without their unwell manager Roy Hodgson.
The 76-year-old was taken ill on Saturday morning and did not travel to Villa Park, but looked like he was going to receive the perfect tonic as his side led through Odsonne Edouard’s early second-half goal.
But Jhon Duran fired home an exquisite equaliser in the 87th minute and then Douglas Luiz struck from the penalty spot in the eighth minute of added time after the decision had survived a rigorous pitchside monitor check by referee Darren England.
Leon Bailey’s goal two minutes later sealed what was a worthy victory for the hosts, who bossed the majority of the game.
It was their ninth home league win in a row, which equals their best post-war record as things continue to look up under Unai Emery.
Palace did not say how poorly their manager was before the game, but did confirm he would be in touch with first-team coaches Paddy McCarthy and Ray Lewington throughout the encounter.
But his mood would not have been improved after the chaotic end to the match where his side conceded three times in 13 minutes.
Palace also endured a tough opening, with Villa’s pace and running causing them problems.
They did not make it easy for themselves either and Joel Ward presented Ollie Watkins with a golden chance to open the scoring as he misplaced a pass and the Villa striker went clean through on goal but Sam Johnstone produced a good save to rescue his captain.
Hodgson would not have enjoyed what he was seeing remotely and it looked like they fell behind in the 34th minute.
Moussa Diaby,
Read on belfasttelegraph.co.uk
