February 28 2015

Glenn Murray

Glenn Murray scored twice and got sent off as Crystal Palace beat West Ham United 3-1.

Palace created a new club record of five Premier League away games without defeat and victory moves them up to 30 points in the table.

West Ham started well as Aaron Cresswell almost caught out Julian Speroni with a cross-cum-shot that whisked just over, while Mark Noble smacked the crossbar.

But Palace had the first attempt on target as Murray drove at Adrian then had another attempt saved by the keeper shortly afterwards.

Murray put his side into the lead four minutes before the break with a header from Jason Puncheon's corner that Cresswell diverted into his own net.

Six minutes into the second half, the Eagles stretched their lead as Scott Dann climbed above Winston Reid to nod in Puncheon's flag kick.

Murray made it 3-0 on 63 minutes by heading home Puncheon's free-kick from the left.

But six minutes later, the striker was sent off after second booking when he challenged Winston Reid in the area.

With the extra man, West Ham piled on the pressure as substitute Nene struck the post and Julian Speroni produced a brilliant save to keep out Valencia's curling strike.

Enner Valencia ended up getting the consolation for the Hammers and Palace held on to claim an important away win.

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce: "I'm shocked. Our level of performance wasn't where I expected it to be. It's disappointing when we've built expectation levels so high at home.

"It's about the basics, really. If we don't play to our best, we'll struggle. We warned the lads about Crystal Palace's set plays because 50% of their goals have come from set-plays. And we've conceded from two corners and a free-kick.

"I think Glenn Murray could have been sent off in the first half for the number of fouls he committed. He was lucky to stay on for that long. We should have had a penalty for the foul on Diafra Sakho, and it should have been a red card for Mile Jedinak too. That would have made it 3-2, and then you never know."

Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew: "Up until the sending off, we were in total control, but we don't make it easy for ourselves. We had some scary moments.

"It was a mixed afternoon for Glenn Murray. He could have had a hat-trick in the first half. He gets into the right positions. The sending off was a little bit unlucky. He has to go for the ball, and I don't think he deserved that.

"I spoke to him at half-time. We all knew he was on a knife edge. But I'm absolutely delighted with him. He was terrific. It shouldn't take away from a terrific performance."

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