Crystal Palace Stuns Aston Villa with 4-1 Victory at Selhurst Park
Ismaïla Sarr’s birthday brace and Adam Wharton’s midfield dominance propel Palace past Villa, damaging their Champions League aspirations.
- Crystal Palace secured only their third home win of the season with a commanding 4-1 victory over Aston Villa, climbing to 12th in the Premier League table.
- Ismaïla Sarr celebrated his 27th birthday with two goals, leading a dynamic Palace attack that also saw Jean-Philippe Mateta and Eddie Nketiah on the scoresheet.
- Adam Wharton, returning from a four-month injury absence, delivered a standout performance in midfield, impressing England manager Thomas Tuchel, who was in attendance.
- Aston Villa, now 10th in the league, saw their Champions League hopes take a hit, with two disallowed goals and a lack of consistency in the final third.
- Villa goalkeeper Emi Martínez was substituted at halftime due to injury, and replacement Robin Olsen faced heavy pressure as Palace dominated the second half.