Crystal Palace vs Burnley. Premier League.
Selhurst ParkAttendance24,203.
Match report and free highlights as Burnley miss the chance to lift themselves out of the relegation zone, but move to within a point of Everton; Jeffrey Schlupp puts Palace in front; Burnley level after Aaron Lennon's cross turned in by Palace captain Luka Milivojevic
Saturday 26 February 2022 20:44, UK
Burnley came from behind to draw 1-1 at Crystal Palace to salvage a point in their bid for Premier League survival.
Sean Dyche's side missed the chance to lift themselves out of the relegation zone after consecutive wins over Brighton and Tottenham, but moved to within a point of 17th-placed Everton, who later lost 1-0 at home to Manchester City.
Jeffrey Schlupp put Palace in front (9) from close range as he converted Michael Olise's low cross after some wonderful footwork from the 20-year-old on the right wing.
Burnley levelled the score less than a minute into the second half when Aaron Lennon's cross was turned in by Palace captain Luka Milivojevic following a neat nod down by Jay Rodriguez.
Olise was a constant threat for Palace in the first half, giving Burnley left-back Erik Pieters a torrid time on the wing, and came close to doubling Palace's lead only for Nick Pope to save his shot.
The 20-year-old, who was signed from Reading in the summer, has provided more Premier League assists this season (5) than any other player aged 21 or under.
Burnley failed to register a shot on target in the first half - manager Sean Dyche said they were "sluggish" for the first 45 minutes - with winger Lennon coming closest after his shot from the edge of the area sailed a few yards wide of the goal.
The equaliser gave Burnley an instant boost after the break, and they threatened to take the lead when Wout Weghorst's header - after Josh Brownhill's corner - was tipped over the bar by Jack Butland.
Weghorst had the ball in the back of the net with just over 20 minutes to go after he swept in the rebound when Rodriguez's effort was saved by Jack Butland, but his team-mate was judged to be offside.
Palace pushed hard for a winner in the second half, with Wilfried Zaha's left-footed effort striking the post from a tight angle after his initial effort was parried away by Pope. But they had to settle for a draw against Burnley and remain 11th, three points behind rivals Brighton.
After consecutive wins over Brighton and Tottenham coming into this game, momentum was well and truly with Burnley at the bottom of the table. The poor form of Everton and Leeds above them gave the Clarets a great opportunity to get out of the relegation zone on Saturday afternoon, but they failed to take advantage.
However, Burnley are coping with a busy schedule after being hit hard by Covid earlier in the season, and every point matters. Their second-half equaliser quietened an exciting Palace side momentarily, but the hosts came back into the game, pushing hard for a winner, and the visitors' defence dug deep to keep things level.
Dyche described it as a "good away performance" and, although there was a chance to move ahead of their relegation rivals, the Clarets will be glad to have maintained their momentum ahead of tough games against Leicester and Chelsea at Turf Moor over the next seven days.
If there was ever any doubt Palace would stay up this season, it was pretty much put to bed with the 4-1 win at Watford on Wednesday, leaving them with full focus on the FA Cup. Patrick Vieira would have been forgiven for resting a few players with one eye on Tuesday's FA Cup fifth-round tie against Championship side Stoke. But the Palace boss fielded a strong side and was rewarded with quite the show in the first half.
There was one man who shone above the rest, and that was Olise. In a team that includes Conor Gallagher and Zaha, it is not easy to be a stand-out performer, but he continues to shine in his debut Premier League season.
He was constantly a thorn in the side of Burnley left-back Pieters, who resorted to hacking him down at times. It was Olise that provided the assist for Schlupp - this time opting to cross with his right, rather than cut back on to his favoured left foot, as we have become accustomed to.
Slowly but surely Olise is becoming one of Palace's most important players, and the stats prove it. His 83 touches ranked second among Palace players, he created the joint-most chances (2), had the most passes in the final third and delivered the most crosses (9).
Vieira must be credited for creating such an exciting forward line. And let's not forget Eberechi Eze, who has had just one league start this season as he is eased back from injury, and was so impressive under Roy Hodgson last season.
Palace manager Patrick Vieira paid tribute to Burnley after they made life tough for the hosts, especially after the break.
"We scored that first goal but I think we overall didn't play really well, we didn't play well because they put us under pressure," Vieira said.
"I think we couldn't play well because they worked hard to close us down and we didn't move the ball quick enough.
"I believe at times we played their game, meaning we played too many long balls and we didn't make good decisions, but I think we didn't make the decision because they made it very difficult for us."
Burnley boss Sean Dyche praised the mentality of his team after they fought back for a draw and make it a seven-point week after vital recent wins over Brighton and Tottenham.
"We have had a big week, an important week and that's another point on the board. I think it is only one loss in seven now so that is good for the mentality of the side," Dyche said.
"I think first half there were a few cloudy minds, I didn't think there was much in it with our performance other than that and then second half a great mentality towards it.
"We ask a lot of these players. We came all the way down to Brighton (last Saturday), it took hours. Then we came down here and it took hours.
"I drove down and it took me seven (hours) so it is a big ask and those type of journeys are not ideal. We looked a bit sluggish in the first half but a very strong response second half I thought."
Burnley winger Lennon, who made his top-flight debut in 2003, produced another decisive display with the assist for Burnley's equaliser.
The former Tottenham winger rejoined the club in August and has been a regular in recent weeks, scoring in the games with Manchester United and Brighton.
Dyche added: "He has been good since he has been here but what he is doing is applying himself to the challenge in front of us with his experiences.
"He is still the fastest player at the club and is driving at players, he has got back to that edge of going forward more.
"For a very talented player, he sometimes goes square and short. He is now stretching the pitch, breaking in behind, running at people and is forever honest. He is certainly getting the rewards for looking after himself for all these years because he is a top pro and is delivering very, very good performances."
Crystal Palace will host Stoke in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Tuesday at 7.30pm before returning to Premier League action next Saturday against Wolves; kick-off 3pm.
Burnley's next Premier League fixture will be against Leicester on Tuesday night at 7.45pm.
