Diogo Jota struck a last-minute goal snatched a point for ten-man Wolverhampton Wanderers as they drew 1-1 with Crystal Palace. An own goal from Leander Dendoncker just after half-time looked to have given Palace all three points against a side who had Roman Saiss sent off, but Jota struck in the fifth minute of injury time.
Nothing to Separate Crystal Palace and Wolverhampton Wanderers as Diogo Jota Strikes Late
First Half
It was the visitors who dominated the first half, and they could have taken the lead on a number of occasions.
Wolves lined up in a 3-4-3 formation, aiming to frustrate Crystal Palace. They succeeded in doing so, as the home side struggled to get in behind the visitors’ defence.
Crystal Palace were the first to force either goalkeeper into action in the 25th minute. Jordan Ayew found himself on the end of a corner from Luka Milivojevic, however, Rui Patricio was unfazed and calmly collected the ball. It proved to be the Eagles’ only clear chance of the first half.
However, it was Wolves who came closest first. After a neat interchange of play from the visitors, a cross from Raul Jimenez found Matt Doherty at the far post, which was then kept out by an excellent save from Vicente Guaita.
Much of Wolves play came down their right-hand side, and they nearly succeeded on a number of occasions towards the end of the half. It was wing-back Matt Doherty who was causing the most problems for the Palace defence, as his runs from full-back failed to be dealt with.
Second Half
The second half saw a complete contrast to the first. While Palace looked buoyed with confidence, Wolves put in a lacklustre performance.
Crystal Palace came out of the blocks firing and found themselves ahead inside the opening minute of the second half. Joel Ward saw a deflected effort from the edge of the box find the back of the net. However, replays showed his effort was going wide, and it was awarded as an own goal by Dendoncker.
Roy Hodgson’s team talk clearly fired up the Eagles, as they dominated the opening 15 minutes of the second half. Wolves struggled to get out of their own half, as Palace had a number of chances to make it 2-0.
For the third game Premier League game in a row, the visiting side saw a red card at Selhurst Park. Roman Saiss‘ foul on Wilfried Zaha was awarded a yellow card, his second of the game.
Wolves best chance of the second half came in the 80th minute. Adama Traore saw his effort from the edge of the box blocked in front of goal.
Crystal Palace thought they had done enough and could have easily made it 2-0, as Jeffrey Schlupp found himself one-on-one with the Wolves goalkeeper.
However, he failed to deliver, and Wolves raced to the other end for one last attempt at goal. They succeeded in doing so, as Diogo Jota hammered home to rescue a point for the visitors.
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