‘Outstanding’: Clinton Morrison blown away by 26-year-old Crystal Palace ace today

Sat 20 August 2022 16:52, UK Updated Sat 20 August 2022 19:19, UK

Crystal Palace icon Clinton Morrison praised Eagles defender Joachim Andersen in their Premier League meeting with Aston Villa.

Patrick Vieira’s charges ran out 3-1 winners over Steven Gerrard’s side at Selhurst Park on Saturday afternoon.

Despite a fairly even start between the two sides, Palace’s defence was carved open for Villa’s opening goal after just five minutes.

A long pass from the back found Leon Bailey, who flicked his header through for Ollie Watkins.

The England striker duly fired past Vicente Guaita to give the visitors the lead.

However, Palace bounced back just three minutes later, Wilfried Zaha driving into the area and slotting into the far corner.

On 25 minutes, Jeffrey Schlupp had the ball in the back of the net, but VAR ruled it out for offside.

The first half ended all square, but Palace threatened early on and Andersen nearly helped unlock the Villa defence.

The 26-year-old’s delivery found Jordan Ayew up top, but Emi Martinez read it well and was able to snuff out the danger.

“Ayew does well,” (16:08).

“He chests it and he is on goal, he gets in front of Digne but his touch is a little too far in front.

“Martinez does well to make a good save, but the initial pass from Andersen was outstanding.”

The pressure paid off as Palace then took the lead on 58 minutes, with the help of a penalty.

Lucas Digne’s handball prompted the referee to award a spot kick.

Although Emi Martinez kept out Zaha’s effort from 12 yards, the Palace winger struck on the rebound.

And on 71 minutes, Palace made it three through an impressive Jean-Philippe Mateta strike.

Zaha played a superb a one-two with Mitchell that saw the young full-back drive down the wing.

He then whipped in a cross and Mateta duly slid in through the middle to fire home.

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