Burnley mounted an astonishing comeback at Selhurst Park, scoring three goals in six minutes to stun Crystal Palace 3-2.
Crystal Palace started strongly, controlling possession early on against a Burnley side desperate for points. The Eagles, in 15th place, hoped to distance themselves from the relegation zone. Burnley, 19th, needed a spark for their survival bid.
Palace’s dominance paid off in the 17th minute when Jørgen Strand Larsen guided home a precise finish. Adam Wharton provided the assist, setting up the opening goal. Selhurst Park erupted as the home side took the lead.
Larsen continued his impressive performance, netting his second goal in the 33rd minute. Jefferson Lerma delivered the assist, allowing Larsen to double Palace’s advantage. The Eagles appeared firmly in control with a commanding two-goal cushion.
However, the match dramatically shifted just before half-time. Burnley pulled one back in the 40th minute through Hannibal Mejbri. Marcus Edwards assisted the goal, igniting hope for the visitors.
Four minutes later, Jaidon Anthony equalized for Burnley, slotting past the goalkeeper from Lesley Ugochukwu's pass. The Clarets then took an incredible lead in first-half stoppage time. A deflection off Jefferson Lerma resulted in an unfortunate own goal at 45+2 minutes.
The half-time whistle allowed a stunned Selhurst Park crowd to process the chaotic end to the first period. Patrick Vieira faced a monumental task to re-galvanize his Crystal Palace side. Burnley, unexpectedly ahead, looked to maintain their advantage.
Palace emerged for the second half determined to find an equalizer, making an immediate substitution. Chadi Riad replaced Jefferson Lerma as the Eagles pressed high. Burnley's defense, however, held firm against the home side's attacks.
Despite 64% ball possession and numerous attempts, Crystal Palace struggled to break down Burnley's resolute backline. The home side registered 20 total shots, yet only three tested the Burnley goalkeeper. Substitutions aimed to alter the game's dynamic.
Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri received a yellow card for unsportsmanlike conduct in the 74th minute, reflecting the game's growing tension. The Clarets managed the remainder of the game defensively. They secured a vital away victory.
Statistics highlighted Crystal Palace's frustration; they registered an Expected Goals (xG) of 1.83 from 20 shots. Burnley, conversely, scored three times from just 8 shots and an xG of 0.52. This showed remarkable clinical finishing from the visitors.
This stunning result provides crucial points for Burnley in their fight against Premier League relegation. For Crystal Palace, letting a two-goal lead slip is a bitter pill. It raises questions about their defensive resilience and consistency.
