Crystal Palace finally snapped a miserable run and breathed new life into their Premier League season with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Selhurst Park yesterday, snatching all three points with an injury-time strike from substitute Evann Guessand.
The decisive goal arrived after a tense 90 minutes in which Palace had to withstand pressure, hit the woodwork, save a penalty and cope with a late red card to their opponents — all before Guessand’s finish broke the deadlock deep into stoppage time and sent a tense crowd into jubilant relief.
The early exchanges were cagey. Both sides probed nervously, aware that a breakthrough here could have significant implications — Palace desperately needed momentum after a long period without a league win, and Wolves, short of victories themselves, wanted to climb out of trouble. Palace made the first big dent in the game’s narrative just before half-time when Wolves were awarded a penalty after a strong challenge inside the box.
With the tension rising inside Selhurst Park, Tolu Arokodare stepped up, but Palace captain Dean Henderson got down low and made a big save to keep the scoreline level and preserve Palace’s chances of recovering something from the contest. That moment proved crucial — instead of going behind on the cusp of half-time, Palace stayed in touch and the psychological edge swung back in their favour.
The second half saw Palace build momentum without finding a clear cutting edge. They pushed in numbers, especially down the flanks, creating half chances through Ismaïla Sarr and forcing reflex saves from Wolves’ goalkeeper José Sá, but the visitors’ defence held firm under siege.
Wolves, for their part, looked dangerous on the break and carried threat from set pieces, but Palace’s back line and midfield battled resolutely to deny them the break they needed. The match turned in Palace’s favour when Wolves were reduced to ten men after Ladislav Krejčí picked up a second yellow card for persistent time-wasting, leaving the visitors to defend with one fewer player in the final half hour.
Even with the numerical advantage, Palace found Wolves organised and stubborn; the deadlock endured as frustration crept into both dressing rooms and the clock ticked toward full-time. Supporters alternated between anxious hope and tense silence, acutely aware that one goal could decide everything after so many missed opportunities in recent weeks. Then, in a dramatic closing sequence deep into added time, Palace swung one last delivery into the box from the left flank. Tyrick Mitchell’s cross found Guessand arriving with perfect timing, and he finished with confidence from close range, sparking wild celebrations in the home end as Palace finally secured a precious three points.
After the final whistle, Palace manager Oliver Glasner admitted that relief was the overriding emotion. He acknowledged the weight of their poor run — just one victory in their previous 15 matches across all competitions — and praised his players for sticking to the task, especially in withstanding Wolves’ pressure and then taking their chance when it mattered most. Glasner also addressed the tension among supporters, some of whom had displayed banners criticising his leadership, and stressed that while he respected fans’ passion, his focus remained on guiding the team and improving results week by week. He described Guessand’s goal as “a huge moment” that could help shift Palace’s mood and build confidence heading into the closing stages of the season.
Wolves boss Rob Edwards reflected on a performance that had its positives — defending bravely for long spells, earning a penalty and competing physically in difficult conditions — but ultimately came up short because they couldn’t manage the final phase. He conceded that the timing of Krejčí’s dismissal and Guessand’s late intervention were decisive, but also underlined his side’s resilience throughout the match. Edwards suggested Wolves could take heart from their organisation and discipline even after going down to ten men, but admitted there was frustration in seeing a solid performance undone at the last possible moment.
For Crystal Palace, the win lifts them to 13th in the Premier League and offers a morale boost — and crucial points — after a difficult spell.
It was a game of fine margins, but in the end a late flash of clinical finishing and a big penalty save proved the difference. Wolves, meanwhile, head home still seeking their first away win of the season and rueing the missed chances that might have seen them leave Selhurst with something from the contest.
